Comparative analysis of glass and Hemotek membrane feeding systems for malaria transmission research

Abstract

Background: Glass membrane feeders are used in malaria research for artificial blood feeding. This study investigates the use of Hemotek membrane feeders as a standardized alternative feeding system. Methods: Hemotek feeders were compared with glass feeders by assessing mosquito feeding rate, imbibed blood meal volume and Plasmodium falciparum infection intensity on mosquito guts. Results: While mosquito feeding rate and blood meal volume were comparable between Hemotek and glass feeders, a loss in transmission was observed using the Hemotek feeder with a conventional collagen membrane. There was no difference in transmission between both feeders when Parafilm was used as the membrane. Conclusions: Hemotek feeders with a Parafilm membrane can be used as an alternative feeding system for malaria transmission research.