Vol. 1, Issue 4, Part A (2015)

Abstract
Background: Identification of host preferences of mosquitoes is crucial for elimination of vector born diseases like filariasis. However, little information is available on the host preferences of culicine mosquitoes in Chhattisgarh state. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the hematophagic tendencies of the Culex quinquefasciatus inhabiting a filaria-endemic area of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh state, India.rnMethods: Adult culicine mosquitoes were collected using light traps (LTs) and human bait (HB) from a filaria-endemic areas during the peak months of mosquito’s population (August-September). Agar gel diffusion method for the identification of mosquito’s blood meal was used. The blood meal of each mosquito was tested against antisera specific to human, cow, buffalo, goat, fowl, dog, rat, rabbit, guinea pig, cat and pig.rnResults: Out of 140 specimens collected from human dwellings 122 were positive for human blood with an Anthropophilic Index of 89.70%. Of the 123 specimens collected from cattle sheds, 76 were positive for human blood, 41 for bovine while 6 specimens were positive for both human and bovine blood. Out of the 90 specimens from mixed dwellings 60 reacted against antihuman, 24 against bovine, 1 against dog antisera. 5 specimens reacted mixed with both human and bovine antisera. rnConclusions: The observed high anthropophilic nature of Culex quinquefasciatus revealed these species to be important filarial vectors in slum areas of Raipur city.