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Abstract:Surface characteristics of microfilariae and developing stages of Brugia pahangi in its natural vector, Armigeres subalbatus were assayed using fluorescein isothiocynate conjugated lectins. The following lectins were used: wheat germ agglutinins, lentil agglutinins, Helix aspersa agglutinins, Concanavalin A agglutinins, kidney bean agglutinins, asparagus pea agglutinins and pea nut agglutinins. It was observed that developing stages of B. pahangi the mosquito showed a dynamic surface carbohydrate characteristics.The larvae change their surface coat configuration frequently during the 10 day observation period. However, blood dwelling microfilariae and fully matured infective larvae obtained from the mosquito's head showed little or no binding affinity for the lectins tested. It's postulated that the rapid turnover of the surface carbohydrates, while development of the larvae is taking place, is the worm's response to a 'hostile' mosquito environment.

Surface lectin binding characteristics of microfilariae and developing stages of Brugia malayi in Armigeres subalbatus are presented. Ar. subalbatus is not a vector of B. malayi. The following lectins were used: wheat germ agglutinins, lentil agglutinins, Helix aspersa agglutinins, Concanavalin A agglutinins, kidney bean agglutinins, asparagus pea agglutinins and pea nut agglutinins. Frequent change in surface carbohydrate moieties on developing stages of B. malayi was observed. However, blood dwelling microfilariae and mature infective larvae showed little binding affinity for the lectins tested. It is postulated that B. malayi larvae evaded the mosquito immune system by continuously changing their surface carbohydrate moieties.