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To assess the role of Aedes albopictus in transmission of filarial nematodes of veterinary importance, researches were carried out in different geographical areas. In Italy a first research was performed to study the susceptibility of Ae. albopictus to Dirofilaria repens, D. immitis and Setaria labiatopapillosa. The development of L3 larvae was longer than in other species of mosquitoes but Ae. albopictus could be a suitable vector of filariae. To understand the role of Ae. albopictus in the natural transmission of Dirofilaria and to assess the risk for animal and human health, in 2000, 2001 and 2002 another study was carried out in the town of Padua. A total of 2,534 Ae. albopictus were caught on human-attracted mosquitoes. Specific primers and sequencing identified filarial DNA as D. immitis; Ae. albopictus was proved a natural vector of D. immitis. Similar results were confirmed in Central Italy also for D. repens. The presence of Ae. albopictus increased the probability of transmission of canine and human dirofilariosis in urban environment and it could change the epidemiology of dirofilariosis, in particular for what concern the time of biting and the risk season. These aspects must be considered to outline a correct prophylaxis.

The text summarizes the principal current fields of investigation and the recent achievements of the research groups presently contributing to the Molecular Entomology Cluster of the Italian Malaria Network. Particular emphasis is given to the researches with a more direct impact on the fight against malaria vectors.

Mansonella perstans filariasis is widely present in Africa and equatorial America and its pathogenicity has been recently reconsidered. Although M. perstans infection has been considered a minor filariasis, remaining asymptomatic in most of infected subjects, more recent studies have shown that M. perstans is capable of inducing a variety of clinical features, including angioedemas, swellings like the "Calabar swellings" of loiasis, pruritus, fever, headache, pain in bursae and/or joint synovia, or in serous cavities. It is likely that some of the pathological changes observed are induced by the immune response to the infection. Eosinophilia is present in many cases of infection. Moreover M. perstans filariasis is difficult to be treated. Effective treatment is lacking and there is no consensus on optimal therapeutic approach. The most commonly used drug is diethylcarbamazine (DEC) that is however often ineffective. Although other drugs have been tried (e.g. praziquantel, ivermectin), none has proven to be reliably and rapidly effective. Mebendazole seemed more active than DEC in eliminating the infection, with a comparable rate of overall responses. Thiabendazole evidenced a small, but significant activity against the infection. Combination treatments (DEC plus mebendazole) resulted in a significantly higher activity compared with the single drugs.