Mermithid (Nematoda: Mermithidae) parasitism of Simulium damnosum s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Sierra Leone and the need for vector control.
Females of Simulium damnosum Theobald s.l. were systematically collected at four sites in the Gorawa Chiefdom of Sierra Leone, West Africa, over a period of 15 mo from July 1986 to September 1987. The prevalence of mermithids infecting parous females varied from 0 to 7.9%, whereas the prevalence of mermithids in nulliparous females varied from 0 to 42.8%. The peak incidences of mermithid infection in nulliparous females occurred during the rainy season (15.2% in October 1986, 42.8% in August 1987). The high incidence of mermithids was associated with a high monthly biting rate, particularly during the month before the peak mermithid period (5,240 in September 1986, 4,878 in July 1987).
Harkrider
J R
JR
Department of Biological Sciences, Njala University College, University of Sierra Leone, West Africa.
Gbakima
A A
AA
Kandeh
J B
JB
Sahr
F
F
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000469:parasitology*; D008632:Mermithoidea; D012807:Sierra Leone; D012843:Simuliidae / Q000469:parasitology*