Analysis of Anopheles arabiensis blood feeding behavior in southern Zambia during the two years after introduction of insecticide-treated bed nets.
Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes are the primary vector responsible for Plasmodium falciparum transmission in Macha, Zambia. Because insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) have the potential to alter host feeding behavior, the extent of the zoophilic and exophagic tendencies of the vector was evaluated during the two rainy seasons after ITN introduction. Centers for Disease Control light traps, paired indoor/outdoor human landing catches, and outdoor cattle-baited collections were used to assess potential changes in host preference. Results support the hypothesis that An. arabiensis mosquitoes in Macha remain highly anthropophilic despite high ITN use. Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes in Macha appear to be relatively exophagic and have been caught biting outdoors immediately after sunset and before sunrise, potentially circumventing some of the protective effects of ITNs.
Fornadel
Christen M
CM
The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. cfornade@jhsph.edu
Norris
Laura C
LC
Glass
Gregory E
GE
Norris
Douglas E
DE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000502:physiology*; D002417:Cattle; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000517:prevention & control; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000502:physiology*; D057148:Insecticide-Treated Bednets; D007306:Insecticides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000295:instrumentation; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000494:pharmacology; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult; D015024:Zambia
D007306:Insecticides; D011722:Pyrethrins