Vector ecology and susceptibility in a malaria-endemic focus in southern Islamic Republic of Iran

This study aimed to carry out a malaria situation analysis, species composition and susceptibility levels of the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, to different insecticides in Bashagard. A longitudinal survey was conducted in 2 randomly selected villages in Bashagard. Malaria vectors were sampled by dipping method for the larvae and hand catch, night-biting catch, total catch, and shelter pit collection for the adults. Standard WHO susceptibility tests were used for a variety of insecticides on F1 progeny of An. stephensi reared from wild-caught females. In total, 693 adult anopheline mosquitoes and 839 third and fourth-instar larvae were collected and identified. They comprised 7 species; the most abundant adult and larvae anopheline mosquito was An. Dthali [40.7% and 30.5% respectively]. An. Culicifacies[24.2%] and An. Stephensi [16.7%] were the next most common species for adult mosquitoes. An. Stephensi was fully susceptible to malathion and pyrethroid insecticides but resistant to DDT and tolerant to dieldrin

[ comparison of different membranes and blood for artificial feeding system of a stephensi]

The efficiency of artificial feeding system of mosquitoes kept in insectrium depends on its technology of designing, king of membrane and food quality. This study was conducted to find the best membrane and food regimen among three prevalent membranes [Parafilm "M", sheep intestine and chicken skin]. Numbers of attracted mosquitoes were recorded in one hour of exposure as a measure of comparisons. The experiment was conducted in constant circumstances of insectrium [temperature: 28+2C and relative humidity: 70%+ 10%]. Each experiment contained three replicates a lot of 20 non-blood_fed[sugar fed] 4-5 days old Anopheles stephensi. In statistical of the results of comparing membranes there was not any significant difference between the mean [P=0.07]. However, statistical analysis of the results of comparing bloods revealed that the difference between the means is meaningful. Considering the obtained results and the experiments "M" as an applicable membrane and sheep defibrinate blood as a suitable food regimen is recommended for artificial feeding of an, stephensi