Abstract

Triatoma protracta protracta, Triatoma riibida rubIda, and two strains of Rhodnius prolixus were successfully reared germfree into the fourth generation. Triatominae eggs were disinfected externally with iodine and the nymphs reared in vinyl plastic germfree modules. Germfree mice were used as the host. This is the first report of Triatominae having been reared in a germfree environment. These bugs were never exposed to bacteria internally or externally to the fourth generation.

Comparisons of conventional control bugs with replicate germfree groups in the first two generations revealed but slight differences in developmental periods. The mean adult longevity of all germfree groups was as long as or longer than that of the conventional adults. Fecundity and fertility of mated pairs were quite similar between germfree and control groups within a species. Evaluation of all differences in these various categories resulted in the conclusion that germfree Triatominae of these species develop in a normal manner in the absence of bacteria within or upon them when nourished by a suitable host. I found, as did Wigglesworth and others, that germfree Rhodnius prolixus did not develop to the adult stage when fed on a rabbit. I did find, however, that they developed in a normal manner when fed on mice. The critical factor in the development of germfree R. prolixus was found to be the nutrition received from the mouse host.

Nocardia rhodnii, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus faecalis fed to germfree T. protracta resulted in the establishment of N. rhodnii and Strep. faecalis within the alimentary tracts of these bugs and the complete elimination of E. coli from the tracts of those bugs infected with this bacterium. When placed in a germfree module, bugs carrying Strep, faecalis and N. rhodnii readily transmitted these bacteria to previously germfree bugs maintained in the module. Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis fed to T. protracta and R. prolixus resulted in the death of all specimens ingesting this bacterial species.

LLU Discipline

Microbiology

Department

Microbiology

School

Graduate Studies

First Advisor

Raymond E. Ryckman

Second Advisor

Charles E. Winter

Third Advisor

Leonard B. Bullas

Fourth Advisor

Elwood S. McCluskey

Fifth Advisor

A. Graham Maxwell

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1972

Date (Title Page)

6-1972

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Germ-Free Life; Triatominae.

Type

Thesis

Page Count

xii; 105

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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