[On the migration of the third stage larvae of Wuchereria bancrofti in Anopheles gambiae (author's tranls)].

The migratory pattern of the third stage larvae of Wuchereria bancrofti from the thorax into the head of Anopheles gambiae has been studied. A total of 1269 infected mosquitoes were dissected and examined from the 7th through the 19th day after the blood meal. The filarial worms migrated from the thorax through the abdomen before they reached the head of the mosquito. Third stage larvae first appeared in the abdomen on the 9th day after infection, where their number increased progressively up to the 13th day and then decreased steadily thereafter. In contrast, mature larvae were first found in the head on the 11th day, and a concentration of larvae could be observed in this region only from the 14th day onwards.