Bionomics of Anopheles culicifacies Sensu Lato in two Malaria Endemic Districts of Central Gujarat, India

Rajendra K Baharia; Jaspreet Kaur; Ankita Sindhania; Gunjan Sharma; Harish C Srivastava; Chandra S Pant; Manju Rahi; Kamaraju Raghavendra; Om P Singh

doi:10.18502/jad.v16i2.11802

Rajendra K Baharia Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Malaria Research, Field unit, Civil Hospital Nadiad, Gujarat, India
Jaspreet Kaur Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Secctor-8, New Delhi, India
Ankita Sindhania Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Secctor-8, New Delhi, India
Gunjan Sharma Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Secctor-8, New Delhi, India
Harish C Srivastava Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Malaria Research, Field unit, Civil Hospital Nadiad, Gujarat, India
Chandra S Pant Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Malaria Research, Field unit, Civil Hospital Nadiad, Gujarat, India
Manju Rahi Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
Kamaraju Raghavendra Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Secctor-8, New Delhi, India
Om P Singh Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka Secctor-8, New Delhi, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jad.v16i2.11802

Keywords: Endophilic; Zoophagic; Alpha-cypermethrin; Susceptibility; Sibling species

Abstract

Background: Gujarat State has been witnessing large scale urbanization, in last two decades, resulting changes in local environment and microclimate may have also influenced the resting, feeding habits and development of Anopheles culicifacies sensu 1ato. Therefore, a systematic longitudinal study was undertaken to know the bionomics of An. culicifacies s.l. in present study.

Methods: The study was conducted in four sentinel villages in Kheda and Panchmahal Districts. The mosquitoes resting indoors and outdoors were collected in early morning hours, using mouth aspirator, pyrethrum space spray and light traps. Mosquito landing collections on human volunteers was carried out from dusk to dawn. Species composition, abundance, seasonal prevalence, resting behavior (Endophily and Exophily), sibling species composition, vector potential and insecticide susceptibility status of malaria vectors was studied.

Results: Six Anopheles species were collected, An. subpictus s.l. was the predominant species followed by An. culicifacies s.l., a known malaria vector was resting indoor and zoophagic behaviour. Anopheles culicifacies, sibling species B (89%) was found. The sporozoite rate (%) and entomological inoculation rate in Kheda was 2.33%, 3.09 per bite/ person/annum and they were 1.05% and 0.475 bite/person/annum in Panchmahal, respectively. Anopheles culicifacies s.l. was found possible resistance to alpha-cypermethrin.

Conclusion: Anopheles culicifacies s.l. showed endophillic, zoophagic behaviour and found possible resistance to alpha-cypermethrin. Early biting behaviour of An. culicifacies s.l. in this area is a cause of concern. Therefore, there is need for frequent monitoring and evaluation of vector control measures in order to achieve the elimination target of malaria in this area.