Culex territans mosquitoes as a vector of Giant Anuran Trypanosomes

BACKGROUND: Amphibian populations are declining worldwide, in part due to diseases caused by viruses, fungi, andparasites. Giant Anuran Trypanosomes (GATs) are parasites that affect frogs worldwide and require a vector to betransmitted. Culex territans is an amphibian-feeding mosquito suspected to be a vector of trypanosomes, but this hasnot previously been confirmed. METHODS: In this study, we tested blood-fed Cx. territans and blood from their primary anuran hosts, Rana clamitans and R. catesbeiana, in southwest Virginia. Additionally, we tested potential routes of transmission from the mosquito tothe frog. RESULTS: We found trypanosomes present in both mosquitoes and anurans and found trypanosomes present in thefeces 2 days after being blood fed on infected frogs, as well as in the body and saliva 14 days post-feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study contributes to our knowledge of the GAT epidemiology and the role Cx. territans mightplay in their transmission.