Age-associated mortality in immune challenged mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) correlates with a decrease in haemocyte numbers

Abstract excerpt

Mosquitoes vector pathogens. One aspect that has been overlooked in mosquito-pathogen relationships is the effect of host age on immune competence. Here, we show that there is age-associated mortality following immune challenge with Escherichia coli. This mortality correlates with a decrease in haemocyte numbers (blood cells) and a decreased ability to kill E. coli. Although the number of haemocytes decreases,...

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