MadSci Network: Microbiology |
Mosquitoes do not transmit bacteria through their bites. There is also no evidence that they can transport these organisms mechanically on their legs or mouthparts -- something that other arthropods such as cockroaches and houseflies can do (see Major Pathogens Mechanically Transmitted by Arthropods).
Mosquitoes are important vectors, or carriers, of viruses . In fact, viruses are the most common pathogens transmitted by these insects. Dengue viruses are probably the most important from the public health point of view, but there are others which include West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, and others.
The most important mosquito transmitted disease is malaria, because of the number of deaths it causes each year (about 2 million, mostly in Africa). However, other parasites are transmitted by different species of mosquitoes, such as those that cause lymphatic filariases (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi).
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