Mass rearing of anopheles stephensi on human blood by artificial feeding under laboratory conditions

Introduction: In order to control the diseases that are transmitted to human and animal by arthropod vectors, it is necessary to investigate vectors and to recognize control methods as well. These studies are applicable by rearing the colonies of arthropod blood-feeders like malaria and leishmaniasis in laboratory. The purpose of this study was to produce mass production of Anopheles stephensi (Lis.) by artificial feeding with human blood in insectary. Methods: We prepared an apparatus composed of a digital thermostat with sensor, element, contactor and a magnet in order to blood-feed An. stephensi. The Para film “M” and a human whole blood unit were used as a membrane and nutrient source for artificial feeding, respectively. The blood was placed in a soft lid and its surface was covered with Para film “M”. The soft drink lids with blood were placed on the cage surface and indirectly warmed by element. An. stephensi fed from blood. Results: Three consecutive generations were reared without blood-feeding on host alive from the egg of mother colony. Female mosquito feeding rate was 47.7% to 64%. The average females feeding and ovipositing times were 10 and 9 times, respectively. No mortality was seen among the larvae. All of the pupae emerged to the adult. The second and third generation of population ratios to first population generation was 6 and 25 folds, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings showed that artificial feeding by human blood, especially in the investigational projects was completely efficient and suitable for increasing mosquitoes’ population in specific time.