A global map of dominant malaria vectors

Abstract

BackgroundGlobal maps, in particular those based on vector distributions, have long been used to help visualise the global extent of malaria. Few, however, have been created with the support of a comprehensive and extensive evidence-based approach.MethodsHere we describe the generation of a global map of the dominant vector species (DVS) of malaria that makes use of predicted distribution maps for individual species or species complexes.ResultsOur global map highlights the spatial variability in the complexity of the vector situation. In Africa, An. gambiae, An. arabiensis and An. funestus are co-dominant across much of the continent, whereas in the Asian-Pacific region there is a highly complex situation with multi-species coexistence and variable species dominance.ConclusionsThe competence of the mapping methodology to accurately portray DVS distributions is discussed. The comprehensive and contemporary database of species-specific spatial occurrence (currently available on request) will be made directly available via the Malaria Atlas Project (MAP) website from early 2012.

Some ecological attributes of malarial vector Anopheles superpictus Grassi in endemic foci in southeastern Iran

“…superpictus in Southeastern Iran. We do not suggest the use of DDT for indoor residual spraying in southeast Iran. recognized as the human malarial vector in the southern Palearctic region, central and southern Europe [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] , middle eastern countries, India, northern Africa, and Russia as well as new republic countries separated from the old Soviet Union [13,14] . Moreover, it is the main malarial vector widely found in Iran [14,[15][16][17][18] , and previous studies have indicated its both exophagic and endophilic behavior [19] .…”

What are species and why does it matter? Anopheline taxonomy and the transmission of malaria

“…Below I explore some implications of this development. My debt especially to three recent reviews (Beebe et al, 2013;Sinka et al, 2012;White et al, 2011), which draw on much wider literatures than I shall do directly, will be very apparent.…”

“…In the 1980s, around 400 species of Anopheles were recognised (Bruce-Chwatt, 1985). Now, after much further work in genetics to supplement the morphology, 465 species are formally recognised and there are also over 50 unnamed members of species complexes (Sinka et al, 2012). Only a minority of all anopheline species have the capacity to transmit the five malaria parasites that normally infect people (Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. knowlesi and P. ovale), and fewer still do so frequently.…”

Odyssean malaria outbreaks in Gauteng Province, South Africa, 2007 - 2013

“…[6] Road transport from malarious areas is undoubtedly more important than air transport as a source of translocated mosquito vectors. Gauteng Province is the economic hub of SA.…”