Abstract Background Amphibian populations are declining worldwide, in part due to diseases caused by viruses, fungi, andparasites. Giant Anuran Trypanosomes (GATs) are parasites that affect frogs worldwide and require a vector to betransmitted. Culex territans is an amphibian-feeding mosquito suspected to be a vector of trypanosomes, but this hasnot previously been confirmed. Methods In this study, we tested blood-fed Cx. territans and blood from their primary anuran hosts, Rana clamitans and R . catesbeiana , in southwest Virginia. Additionally, we tested potential routes of transmission from the mosquito tothe frog. Results We found trypanosomes present in both mosquitoes and anurans and found trypanosomes present in thefeces 2 days after being blood fed on infected frogs, as well as in the body and saliva 14 days post-feeding. Conclusions Overall, this study contributes to our knowledge of the GAT epidemiology and the role Cx. territans mightplay in their transmission. Graphical Abstract
Reinhold et al. (Tue,) studied this question.