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.