| Abstract: | This paper outlines the techniques used for the laboratory transmission of C. opifexi to its host larva Aedes australis, which is a brackish water mosquito.The main requirements for infection are (a) a suitable medium of low salinity, consisting of natural australis pool water or soil infusion prepared in the laboratory (b) inoculum containing a high concentration of active zoospores and (c) temperatures approaching summer conditions.In australis pool water infected larvae appear from day 9 till day 20 with a steep rise in number at the beginning and another at the end of the cycle. In the soil infusion infection is detectable at the later time of 16 to 28 days with a single peak between days 18 to 20. The early infected larvae are probably eliminated in infusion medium due to the presence of toxic substances.Temperature has a direct effect on the time taken for infection to show up in the larvae. The use of fluorescent light, simulating daylight appears to be uncritical.From the Department of Microbiology, Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.From the Department of Microbiology, Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. |
