Methods of reducing Ascogregarina chagasi parasitaemia in laboratory colonies of Lutzomyia longipalpis.

Ascogregarina chagasi is an aseptate gregarine parasite found naturally in populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis. Under intensive rearing conditions in the laboratory, the parasite is known to reduce longevity and egg production, therefore, it 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.