Mosquitoes (Culicidae) transmit several parasites and pathogens including the causative agent of malaria, haemosporidians (Haemosporida). Transmission of these agents to and from the mosquito occurs during the collection of a blood meal. Because of this, it is imperative to gather data on current feeding patterns of mosquitoes. Prior to this study there were no published data on current feeding patterns of mosquitoes in Mississippi. Mosquitoes were captured with CDC light traps at eleven sites in two collection years. Engorged females were analyzed for blood meal content, and the vertebrate host was identified to species level in 72 mosquitoes. Previously published haemosporidian data were gathered to compare potential transmission of haemosporidians to and from the vertebrate and mosquito hosts identified in this study.

Haemosporidians, including the avian malaria parasites, are a diverse group of blood parasites that infect terrestrial vertebrates worldwide. There is variability in parasite prevalence (presence) and parasitemia (infection intensity); infections range from virtually inconsequential to lethal. Prevalence and parasitemia of avian malaria in the Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) were determined (n=81). The genera Plasmodium and Parahaemoproteus were detected and quantified from bird blood using microscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Thirteen lineages of malaria parasites were found. Sequence data from the parasite’s mitochondrial cytochrome b gene indicate that prevalence is 69.1% (Plasmodium-89.3%; Parahaemoprotues-7.1%; double infection-3.6%). Parasitemia was low in all infected birds. Seasonally, parasite prevalence varied significantly. Avian malaria prevalence and parasitemia were not associated with host sex, age, or health. Observations of infection in this naturally infected bird provide details on host susceptibility that are applicable to the understanding of malaria parasites in other avian hosts.