Methods of reducing Ascogregarina chagasi parasitaemia in laboratory colonies of Lutzomyia longipalpis
Dougherty, M.J.; Ward, R.D.
Parassitologia 33(Suppl): 185-191
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0048-2951 PMID: 1841206 Document Number: 375505
Ascogregarina chagasi is an aseptate gregarine parasite found naturally in populations of L. longipalpis. Under intensive rearing conditions in the laboratory, the parasite is known to reduce longevity and egg production, and is thought to be a major contributing factor to the phenomenon of colony crashes. A study is described to test egg cleansing techniques, with a view to controlling this parasite in laboratory colonies. Methods used include washing eggs with formol, benzalkonium chloride and irradiating with ultraviolet light. It was concluded that cleansing with 0.1% formol solution was the most efficient method of controlling A. chagasi.