G. A. DE CARVALHO ET AL.
280
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, D. immitis larvae developed in all mos-
quito populations studied. Based on factors as mortality,
development time and VEI, the A. albopictus population
from Recife demonstrated the best performance as vector.
This study is the second description of the development
of D. immitis in A. albopictus in Brazil. Moreover, the
findings suggest that this culicid species may perform an
important role as a vector for D. immitis in an area (i.e.,
Brazil) where greater importance has long been attributed
to A. aegypti. Field studies should be carried out to clar-
ify the real importance of this culicid species in the
transmission of D. immitis in Brazil.
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