Mémoire

Improved rearing conditions of sandflies (Phlebotomus argentipes), as required for studies on transmission dynamics of leishmaniasis

Amélioration des conditions d’élévage de Phlebotomus argentipes utile pour les études sur la dynamique de transmission des leishmanioses

¹ Immunoparasitology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Calcutta 700 019, India.
² Genetic Engineering Laboratory (Leishmania Division), Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Calcutta 700 032, India.

Accepted: 30 March 1993

Abstract

Rearing conditions of sandflies (Phlebotomus argentipes) has been improved. Bloodfed females were initially maintained at 21-23° C for 5-7 days before allowing them to oviposit at 26-28° C and a proportion of flies were directly allowed to oviposit at 26-28° C just after feeding to see their oviposition survival and subsequently the refeeding rate. It was found that when the flies were maintained following the former method gave better results. It is proposed to keep the bloodfed sandflies at a temperature lower than its suitable feeding temperature for a period longer than its oogenesis period and then to bring back the flies at slightly higher temperature, required for oviposition to get better result in oviposition survival and subsequently multiple feeding activity.

Résumé

Les femelles gorgées sont — tantôt maintenues 5 à 7 jours à 21-23° avant d’être mises à 26-28° pour permettre la ponte — tantôt mises à 26-28° aussitôt après le repas pour observer leur survie après la ponte et leur attitude à prendre un second repas.

La première méthode est meilleure. Nous proposons de conserver les phlébotomes pendant l’oogenèse à une température plus basse que celle qui est favorable au repas, puis ensuite d’élever la température. La survie après la ponte et la possibilité de repas ultérieurs sont améliorées.