Title
Bloodmeal analysis of urban Western Australian mosquito species for improved public health outcomes
Date of Award
2022
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
First Advisor
Jacques Oosthuizen
Second Advisor
Jemma Berry
Third Advisor
Kerry Staples
Fourth Advisor
Jay Nicholson
Abstract
Ross River virus & Barmah Forest virus are the two most prevalent arboviruses in Australia. Bloodmeal studies assist in improving the understanding of disease transmission cycles, which can consequently inform disease mitigation measures. This study involved the capture and analysis of bloodfed mosquitoes within metropolitan Perth to determine their bloodmeal source.
Mosquitoes were captured by a combination of sampling methods using carbon dioxide baited light traps, completed by local governments as a part of their standard mosquito control programs, and by aspiration conducted by the researcher. The DNA contained within mosquito bloodmeals was extracted and amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction using a universal vertebrate primer. The data from sampling was analysed to determine if there were any geospatial trends and to determine the implications for Ross River Virus transmission cycles within the Perth Metropolitan area.
Of the 21 bloodfed samples obtained 17 were found to have fed on humans, one on a crow, one on a common brushtail possum and the remainder were inconclusive. This study suggests that humans are a common source of bloodmeals within urban settings and may form a part of disease transmission cycles. It also further affirms the suggestions that Aedes notoscriptus is a vector of significance within urban areas. This study highlights the need for further bloodmeal studies to be conducted to better understand RRV transmission within urban areas.
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 3rd March 2023.
Recommended Citation
Chisholm, C. (2022). Bloodmeal analysis of urban Western Australian mosquito species for improved public health outcomes. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2504