Fabrication of an olfactometer for mosquito behavioural studies.
OBJECTIVE
Olfaction is the major sensory modality involved in the resource searching behaviour of insects including vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). To date, our current countrywide knowledge on the host-seeking behaviour of Iranian mosquitoes is mainly confined to host preference which has exclusively come from field studies. Olfactometer is a scientific tool by which more naive aspects of man-vector contact can be clarified under controlled and less biased conditions.


METHODS
The wind tunnel and stimulus delivery system was constructed from acrylic materials based on previously introduced models with some modifications. Air supply and required light were ensured by a powerful compressor and incandescent bulbs, respectively. Desired level of temperature was maintained by controllable heating radiators. For humidity production a unique in-built piezo system was devised in the course of the air flow. Fine regulators facilitated the continuous generatation of the humidity at a preset level.


RESULTS
Titanium tetrachloride smoke plus monitoring of the wind speed revealed that the flow of air was proper and invariable. A desired level of humidity and temperature could be set up in just 10 and 15-45 min, respectively. These physical parameters varied only +/-2% (humidity) and +/-0.15 degrees C (temperature) in a typical 20 min duration.


CONCLUSIONS
The first sophisticated olfactometer in the field of medical entomology in Iran is reported here. Fast set up and stability of physical parameters are its salient features. It is expected that with the aid of this olfactometer further information on the physiological principles of the host-seeking behaviour of mosquitoes become available soon.
Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health and Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Seyed-Mohammad
SM
Omrani
Hassan
H
Vatandoost
Mohammad Ali
MA
Oshaghi
Fazel
F
Shokri
Patrick M
PM
Guerin
Mohammad Reza
MR
Yaghoobi Ershadi
Yavar
Y
Rassi
Siavash
S
Tirgari
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D009033:Culicidae / Q000502:physiology*; D004772:Entomology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D009812:Odorants / Q000032:analysis*; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*