Journal of Nematology (2005) 37, p. 394a (Shamseldean et al.)
M.M. Shamseldean and E.G. Platzer (2005)
Scanning electron microscope observations on the cellular immune responses of mosquito larvae infected with Romanomermis culicivorax Ross and Smith (Nematoda: Mermithidae)
Journal of Nematology 37 (3), 394-394
44th Annual Meeting, Society of Nematologists, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 9-13 July, 2005
Abstract: Interactions of the mermithid nematode, Romanomermis culicivorax, with hemocytes of Anopheles quadrimaculatus and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae were recorded with the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In both mosquito species, host granules and granulocytes attached to the surface of parasitic nematodes. Nematodes secreted an outer layer onto the cuticle within 5 minutes after penetration. Plasmatocytes were also attached to the parasite surface by 72 hours after penetration in Anopheles quadrimaculatus and 120 hours in Culex quinquefasciatus. Molting nematodes were first observed 72 and 96 hours after penetration in C. quinquefasciatus and A. quadrimaculatus, respectively. Pits were observed on the ventral cuticle of the parasite following a molt. The parasitic nematodes continuously shed a secretion coat until 144 hours after penetration in A. quadrimaculatus, whereas in C. quinquefasciatus the nematodes shed the secretion coat throughout the entire parasitic stage during the course of parasitism. Mosquito hemocytes were attached to the surface of the nematodes as late as 120 hours in C. quinquefasciatus and 144 hours in A. quadrimaculatus. In some cases, nematodes became melanized in A. quadrimaculatus. This study suggests that, R. culicivorax has developed a unique system to avoid the defense mechanism of their mosquito hosts.
Database assignments for author(s): Edward G. Platzer
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution
resistance/tolerance/defence of host
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culex quinquefasciatus | ||||
| Anopheles quadrimaculatus | ||||
| Romanomermis culicivorax (entomopathogen) | Culex quinquefasciatus | |||
| Romanomermis culicivorax (entomopathogen) | Anopheles quadrimaculatus |
