Large scale collection of viable infective larvae of Loa loa.
A simple method to obtain large numbers of viable infective larvae (L3) of the human filarial parasite Loa loa in an endemic country is described: wild vector flies (Chrysops silacea and C. dimidiata) were caught in large numbers, sealed into pockets of mosquito netting, gently crushed on a glass plate and incubated in a funnel with medium ("Baermann technique"). 91-94% of the L3 actively left the crushed flies and accumulated in the funnel tip after 15 (80%) to 45 minutes (95%). During 111 catching days over a 12 month period, a single fly collector provided approximately 13,000 flies and 23,500 L3. The method is also considered useful for assessing loiasis-transmission, for example before and after mass treatment campaigns.
Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, CIRMF, Gabon.
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G
Wahl
R
R
Moukagni
F
F
Toure
A J
AJ
Georges
D000818:Animals; D004175:Diptera / Q000469:parasitology*; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000469:parasitology*; D007814:Larva; D008117:Loa / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods*