Autor(es): Zattau W C; McInnis T

Resumo: The life cycle and mode of infection of mosquito larvae by Leptolegnia chapmanii (Oomycetes: Saprolegniales) were determined. The life cycle is typical of saprolegniaceous fungi, as the species is dimorphic producing diplanetic biflagellate zoospores. Sexual reproduction is by means of gametangial contact and results in the production of a characteristic papillate oogonium containing a subcentric or eccentric oospore. L. chapmanii is capable of infecting Aedes aegypti larvae both by germination of encysted secondary zoospores on the exterior cuticle and by germination of ingested zoospore cysts in the larval midgut. Once the fungus is established in the host, the disease, a coelomomycosis, is fatal. The encystment pattern of secondary zoospores on the larval cuticle appcars preferential. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that mechanical pressure is not the sole force utilized by the fungus for cuticle penetration.

Palavras-Chave: Leptolegnia sp.; Oomycetes; Mosquito pathogen; Aedes aegypti

Imprenta: Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, v. 50, n. 2, p. 134-145, 1987

Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1016/0022-2011(87)90113-3

Descritores: Aedes aegypti - Pathogenesis

Data de publicação: 1987