PCR and dissection as tools to monitor filarial infection of Aedes polynesiensismosquitoes in French Polynesia

Abstract

Our results suggest that the PS-PCR assay is specific and highly sensitive for detecting parasite DNA. We obtained similar although not identical results with dissections of mosquitoes. PS-PCR appears to be adequate for testing large numbers of mosquitoes in the context of filariasis elimination programs. The role and advantages of using entomologic methods to monitor filariasis programs are discussed.