Degree of associations among vectors of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and host bird species with respect to haemosporidian parasites in NE Bulgaria

The occurrence of haemosporidians in biting midges of the genus Culicoides is examined in North-East Bulgaria in order to reveal their potential role for parasite transmission. A PCR-based technique amplifying part of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of the parasite is applied on naturally infected biting midges. Totally, 640 parous individuals of four species and 95 blood-fed individuals of six species of Culicoides are examined for the presence of DNA of haemosporidians. Haemosporidian genetic lineages are identified in individuals of three insect species: Culicoides alazanicus (12 lineages, nine lineages of Haemoproteus and three lineages of Plasmodium), Culicoides festivipennis and Culicoides circumscriptus (with two and one lineages of Haemoproteus, respectively). Two genetic lineages of Haemoproteus are recorded in more than one vector species. These results demonstrate variations in the specificity of Haemoproteus genetic lineages to their potential vectors, since some lineages are recorded in a single vector species and others occur in two or more vector species.