1st Place: Aedes aegypti preference between canines and humans volatile skin compounds

It is critical that researchers understand how the Ae. Aegypti mosquitoes detect specific hosts through cues such as temperature, carbon dioxide, and emission of volatile skin compounds. In areas of South Texas, some recently published evidence suggests that this mosquito may be showing a strong feeding preference for canines over humans. This shift in feeding preference may impact the transmission of Dirofilaria immitis, canine heart worms, in local dog populations. Our study explored Ae. Aegypti mosquitoes' detection of and attraction to suitable hosts using canine and human volatile skin compounds. Volatile skin compounds were collected from volunteer canines and humans in South Texas. The volatiles were collected using a push-pull volatile collection system. Once collected, compounds are to be analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (currently in progress). Based on previous studies, it is anticipated that the main volatile skin compounds identified amongst humans are nonanal, decanal, and dimethyl hexanedioate. The main volatile skin compounds anticipated amongst the canines are hexadecane, 2-hexanone, and 2-decanone. These volatile skin compounds will be used in a planned behavioral analysis examining mosquito host choice in a y-tube choice assay. Results from these studies are discussed. Results from these studies may help explain what compounds mosquitoes in this region are utilizing for attraction to dogs. In addition, these data may help predict future shifts in feeding behavior or risk analysis for disease transmission.