# BIOLOGICAL CONROL OF MOSQUITOES WITH LAMBORNELLA CLARKI

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · 1987 · $86,784

## Abstract

The broad objectives are to further illucidate the life cycle of
Lambornella clarki, (Tetrahymenidae:  Ciliphora) and to assess its
potential as a manipulated biological control agent of the western treehole
mosquito, Aedes sierrensis, and related mosquitoes.  We also plan to
establish L. clarki in known L. clarki-negative treeholes and to determine
factors influencing infection rates and persistence in mosquito breeding
sites.  Specific laboratory objectives include determining environmental
and physiological cues that stimulate encystation and excystation,
determining how long cysts remain viable, and studying L. clarki and its
pathogenesis for Ae. sierrensis and other mosquito species.  The long-term
objectives include development of an in vitro culture system for L. clarki,
and ultimately development of techniques in laboratory mass-production,
storage, and field inoculation of treeholes.  Dispersal of the parasite by
infected adults will be quantified under field conditions.  Laboratory
colonies will be used to study interrelationships between L. clarki and
other pathogens.  Laboratory mass production and field application of this
mosquito pathogen could result in the successful use of a biological
control agent with excellent potential for persistence in aquatic habitats
of container-breeding mosquitoes.  Container-type mosquito habitas are
breeding sites for some of the most effective mosquito vectors of important
human pathogens (e.g. Ae. aegypti and Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever, Ae.
polynesiensis and Filariasis, Ae. albopictus and Dengue, and Ae.
triseriatus and LaCrosse Virus).  In California, Ae. sierrensis is a major
biting pest, and it is a known vector of dog heartworm (Dirofilaria
immitis) and the deer body worm (Setaria yehi), both of which occasionally
infect humans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3129784
- **Project number:** 5R01AI020245-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GS3YEVSS12N6
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN R ANDERSON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $86,784
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-08-01 → 1989-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3129784

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3129784, BIOLOGICAL CONROL OF MOSQUITOES WITH LAMBORNELLA CLARKI (5R01AI020245-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3129784. Licensed CC0.

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