The exsheathment and migration of Brugia pahangi microfilariae in mosquitoes of the Aedes scutellaris species complex.

Studies on the Aedes scutellaris complex of mosquitoes showed that refractory and susceptible species can be distinguished by reference to the proportion of Brugia pahangi microfilariae which reach the thorax within three hours of a feed. Migration ceased approximately 1 1/2 hours after feeding in refractory species, in which only 50% of the ingested worms reached the thorax, In susceptible species over 95% of the ingested microfilariae reached the thorax, and migration lasted for three hours after a feed. Differentiation could be achieved by studying the levels of exsheathment, but it is suggested that analysis of migration levels forms a reliable, accurate and quick method of distinguishing refractory from susceptible species.