Is there anyone who has information on the number of blood meals a
mosquito, or other insect vectors, would take in a lifetime? This
information is needed in the context of the possibility of an increased
probability of getting genetic variability in a single infective dose
when a vector is involved , as opposed to direct transmission. If this
possibility exists, than the data gathered by Paul Ewald may have an
alternative explanation in that competition is required for increased
virulence, rather than, or in addition to, the factors involving host
mobility. This idea is based on an evolutionary stable strategy model
proposed by S.A, Frank (1992. Proc. Royal Soc. London B 250:195-197).
Thanks in advance - Derek Zelmer
