The effect of trypanosome infection on a natural population of Glossina longipalpis Wiedemann (Diptera: Glossinidae) in Ivory Coast.

A population of Glossina longipalpis studied in the Southern Guinea savanna zone, Ivory Coast, showed marked differences between non-infected and infected females. Each fly was examined for age, reproductive condition, wear and tear, size and nutritional status. Infected flies were generally and sometimes significantly more active with lower fat reserves, residual bloodmeal and higher residual dry weight. Poorer nutritional condition may be due to energy metabolised by trypanosomes and possibly impaired feeding ability.