Monthly prevalence and diversity of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Fars Province, Southern Iran

Abstract

Sciences (Project No.: 916246). The journal implements double-blind peer review practiced by specially invited international editorial board members. Objective: To get new data about the ecology of mosquitoes, which would be valuable to develop programs for future provision of mosquito controls in the study area. Methods: During April to September 2012, larvae of mosquitoes were collected from six counties in south of Fars Province using dipping method. Characteristics of larval breeding places were considered based on water conditions. Species diversity was examined in terms of alpha and beta measures, with the intent of comparing mosquito diversity according to the typology of regions. Results: During this investigation, totally, 5 057 larvae of mosquitoes belonging to 5 genera and 17 different mosquito species were recognized, namely, Anopheles dthali, Anopheles fluviatilis, Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles superpictus, Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus), Culex mimeticus, Culex perexiguus, Culex pipiens (Cx. pipiens), Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex theileri (Cx. theileri), Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex sinaiticus, Culex torrentium, Culex modestus, Ochlerotatus caspius, Culiseta longiareolata and Aedes vexans (Ae. vexans). This is the first record of Ae. vexans, Culex perexiguus and Culex modestus in the Province. Cx. pipiens (27.3%), Cx. theileri (15.9%) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (9.4%) were the most abundant species found respectively. Cx. pipiens reached the highest density in August and July, while Cx. theileri, Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. vexans were found in high numbers in June. Diversity analysis indicated the highest species diversity in the Mohr County (Margalef index of 1.41 and Shannon index of 1.7) and the lowest species diversity in the Lamerd County (Margalef index of 0.33 and Shannon index of 0.38). Conclusions: Regarding to this research, there are some potential vectors of medical and veterinary importance in Fars Province. Results of the present study may serve as a basis for risk assessment of emerging mosquito-borne diseases.

Short Communication: Species diversity, habitat and abundance of Culicid mosquitoes in Bushehr Province, South of Iran

“…In a study, Cx. pipiens in Lamerd County, Fars Province was predominant species and reached its peak in May and August (Keshavarzi et al 2017). This is similar to our findings.…”

“…stephensi has two main seasonal peaks during spring and autumn (Mehravaran et al 2012). Similar findings have been reported from Fars province, Iran (Keshavarzi et al 2017).…”

“…According to a previous study in Iran, the higher species diversity found in rural areas (Hanafi-Bojd et al 2017). Based on previous studies, the maximum reported value for Shannon's index is 1.7 (Keshavarzi et al 2017;Nikookar et al 2010).…”

Epidemiological Aspects of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Larestan and Ghiro-Karzin Counties, Southwest of Iran

“…The second, is the central part of the province with a relatively moderate temperature, with hot and dry weather in summer. The third, is the south and southeast lowland regions of the province with moderate temperature in winter, and very hot and wet weather in summer [ 18 ].…”

Morphological and molecular-based identification of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), a main vector of Dengue Fever, the first record in Iran after decades.

“…Mosquito-borne diseases are among the most serious public health problems in the world. The correct diagnosis of vectors is one of the most important factors in identifying the transmission of vectorborne diseases [1,2]. Before molecular methods were introduced for the classification and identification of mosquitoes, they were identified and categorized based on their morphological characteristics.…”