Detection of Wuchereria Bancrofti Through Molecular Xenomonitoring of Putative Mosquito Vectors in the Philippines

Authors: Olaso LAT, Bacay BA, Angeles JR, Bonsato RH, Ammugauan MAT, and Salazar FV*

DOI: 10.23880/phoa-16000279

Volume 8, Issue 1

Abstract

The advancement of molecular methods resulted in the application of molecular xenomonitoring (MX) as a complementary tool to detect the presence of circulating LF parasites in mosquito vectors. In the Philippines, a number of endemic areas are still undergoing evaluations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health – Philippines (DOH). This study investigated the presence of filarial parasites in Oriental Mindoro (Region 4B) and Sultan Kudarat (Region 12), Philippines through MX. All collected and identified mosquito vectors were subjected to a real-time PCR assay targeting the Wuchereria bancrofti long-dispersed repeat Wb-LDR gene. This study detected the presence of W. bancrofti parasites in two species of mosquito vectors: (1) Aedes poicilius collected in Barangay Sta. Clara, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat (n=10 pools; 10.00%); and (2) Culex quinquefasciatus from Barangay Poblacion II, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro (n=344 pools; 0.29%) and Barangay Sta. Maria, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat (n=96 pools; 1.04%). These results support transmission assessment survey findings of continuous presence of LF parasites in the two endemic provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Sultan Kudarat. This study also suggests that further refinement of MX may produce broader applicability in the control and elimination of mosquito-borne diseases.

Keywords: Lymphatic Filariasis; Molecular Xenomonitoring; Philippines; Aedes Poicilius; Culex Quinquefasciatus; Wuchereria Bancrofti

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