Trichomonas vaginalis infection in a low-risk women attended in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre

Objective: To investigate the presence of trichomoniasis among women attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre.Methods: A total of 139 high vaginal swabs were taken from the subjects and sent to the laboratory in Amies gel transport media. The specimens were examined for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis using wet mount, Giemsa staining and cultured in Diamond's medium. Sociodemographic characteristics and gynaecological complaints were obtained in private using structured questionnaire applied by one investigator.Results: The median age was 32 years, with an interquartile interval of 9.96. Most of the subjects were Malays(76.9%) and the remaining were Chinese(15.1%), Indians(2.2%)and other ethnic groups(5.8%). One hundred and thirty eight(99.3%) of the women were married and 98.6% had less than 6 children. More than half(75.5%) of the women's last child birth was less than 6 years ago. Forty seven percent of them were involved in supporting administrative work and 64.7% of the women gave a history of previous or current vaginal discharge.Conclusions: The present study reported zero incidence rate of trichomoniasis. The low incidence rate was postulated due to all women who participated in this study were categorized into a low-risk group.

Fauna and abundance of medically important flies of Muscidae and Fanniidae(Diptera) in Tehran,Iran

Objective:To determine the faunal diversity of Muscidae and Fanniidae flies in Tehran,Iran. Methods:A net-capturing by direct observing method and fly trap were used to capture adult flies.To determine the fauna of flies in different habitats,4 biotopes including corpse(human, birds,livestock),garbage and decaying organic matters,animal carcasses and human indoor habitat were selected.Big hashing nets(95 cm in diameter) have been used for adult flies capture in these biotopes.Results:In this study,totally 2 418 adult flies from 8 families including Muscidae,Fanniidae,Calliphoridae,Sarcophagidae,Tachinidae,Syrphidae,Anthomyiidae and Conopidae were captured.Among these,1 279 belong to Muscidae and Fanniidae families. Four genera and 5 medically important species captured from two above mentioned families. Conclusions:Based on scientific documentation,2 species of Mvscina stobulons(M.stabulans) and Fannia scalaris(F.scalaris) are reported for the first time in Iran.However M.stabulans is a cosmopolitan species and its presence in Iran was probable.

Current resistance status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus populations in Penang Island,Malaysia

Objective:To determine the current insecticide resistance status of Aedes(Ae.)aegypti and Ae.albopictus to four insecticides,namely 0.05%deltamethrin,0.75%permethrin,5%malathion and 0.25%pirimiphos-methyl using the World Health Organisation(WHO)susceptibility test kit.Methods:Adult bioassays were carried out using the standard protocol of the World Health Organisation.All F1 generation urban and suburban field strains of Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus were tested against pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides,including the presence of piperonyl butoxide(PBO)in four replicates of 25 non-blood-fed female mosquitoes ranging from 3 to 5 days old.The Vector Control Research Unit(VCRU)laboratory strain served as a reference strain.Results:In this study,0.05%deltamethrin demonstrated a lower value of knockdown time when 50%of the mosquito population died(KT50)and knockdown time when 95%of the mosquito population died(KT95),which is significantly more effective compared to 0.75%permethrin against adult female Ae.aegypti(urban and suburban)and Ae.albopictus(urban and suburban)(ANOVA,P<0.01).Meanwhile,5%malathion was a more effective insecticide,amounting to the shorter KT50 and KT95 compared to 0.25%pirimiphos-methyl against Ae.aegypti(urban and suburban)and Ae.albopictus(urban and suburban).Ae.aegypti urban and Ae.aegypti suburban performed a higher resistance ratio(RR)towards both 0.05%deltamethrin and 0.75%permethrin due to the wide use of permethrin in dengue vector control programs in Malaysia.However,Ae.albopictus urban and suburban have lower resistance than Ae.aegypti urban and suburban towards 0.05%deltamethrin and 0.75%permethrin at 24 hours post-treatment.The addition of PBO with these insecticides successfully reduced knockdown time(KT50 and KT95)values of most of the Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus field strains except PBO+0.75%permethrin against Ae.aegypti suburban.Conclusions:The addition of PBO to insecticides has significantly reduced the knockdown time(KT50 and KT95)values on most of Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus urban strain except PBO+5%malathion against Ae.albopictus urban strain and PBO+0.75%permethrin against Ae.albopictus suburban strain in comparison to exposure to insecticides without PBO.Ae.aegypti showed a higher resistance ratio of 50(RR50)when compared with the VCRU laboratory reference strain(susceptible strain)at the exposure to the deltamethrin,including with pre-exposure to PBO.This study found that the addition of PBO with organophosphates(5%malathion and 0.25%pirimiphos-methyl)was significantly more effective than pyrethroids against Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus(urban and suburban)due to their high mortality rate at 24 hours.It can be concluded that the usage of PBO can help reduce resistance alteration in Aedes mosquitoes.

Prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths among women of reproductive age in Mwaluphamba,Kwale

Objective:To assess the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among women of reproductive age in Mwaluphamba,Kwale County,Kenya.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed to randomly sample 422 women of reproductive age(15-<50 years)from four villages in Mwaluphamba location.Stool specimens were collected and examined using the Kato-Katz method,while filtration technique was used to analyze urine specimens.Participants’sociodemographic details were obtained using a standardized questionnaire.Results:Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence was at 4.7%(20/422,95%CI 2.8%-6.9%)while the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection was 4.5%(19/422,95%CI 2.6%-6.7%).The infection intensities of urinary schistosomiasis among the study participants ranged from 1 to 120 eggs/10 mL of urine with median egg count of 18.45 eggs/10 mL.The patients were diagnosed with light infection,of 56.16 egg/gram and 48.48 egg/gram for Trichuris trichiura and hookworms,respectively.Women without latrines had 15.7 times higher risk of having urinary schistosomiasis compared to those with a latrine.Similarly,use of surface water(aOR=1.0,95%CI 0.2-1.4,P=0.010)and crossing the river to go to a place(aOR=1.1,95%CI 0.3-1.6,P=0.009)were statistically significant risk factors for getting urinary schistosomiasis.In bivariable regression analysis,defecating around the water source(OR=4.3,95%CI 1.5-12.9)had a statistically significant association with the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis(P=0.008).Conclusions:This study has given an insight on the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Mwaluphamba location that form a basis for strengthening the control and elimination programmes for these neglected tropical diseases.

Spatio-temporal distribution of malaria vectors(Diptera:Culicidae) across different climatic zones of Iran

Malaria is a main vector-borne public health problem in Iran.The last studies on Iranian mosquitoes show 31 Anopheles species including different sibling species and genotypes,eight of them are reported to play role in malaria transmission.The objective of this study is to provide a reference for malaria vectors of Iran and to map their spatial and temporal distribution in different climatic zones.Shape files of administrative boundaries and climates of Iran were provided by National Cartographic Center.Data on distribution and seasonal activity of malaria vectors were obtained from different sources and a databank in district level was created in Excel 2003, inserted to the shape files and analyzed by ArcGIS 9.2 to provide the maps.Anopheles culicifacies Giles s.l.,Anopheles dthali Patton,Anopheles fluviatilis James s.L,Anopheles maculipennis Meigen s.L,Anopheles sacharovi Favre,Anopheles stephensi IJston,and Anopheles superpictus Grassi have been introduced as primary and secondary malaria vectors and Anopheles puicherrimus Theobald as a suspected vector in Iran.Temporal distribution of anopheline mosquitoes is restricted to April_December in northern Iran,however mosquitoes can be found during the year in southern region.Spatial distribution of malaria vectors is different based on species,thus six of them(except for Anopheles maculipennis s.l.and Anopheles sacharovi) are reported from endemic malarious area in southern and southeastern areas of Iran.The climate of this part is usually warm and humid,which makes it favorable for mosquito rearing and malaria transmission.Correlation between climate conditions and vector distribution can help to predict the potential range of activity for each species and preparedness for malaria epidemics.

Isolation and efficacy of entomopathogenic fungus(Metarhizium anisopliae)for the control of Aedes albopictus Skuse larvae:suspected dengue vector in Pakistan

Objective:To isolate the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhixium anisopliae(M.anisopliae) in the local environment,and evaluate its efficacy against the suspected dengue vector Aedes albopictus in Pakistan.Methods:According to the standard procedure,M.anisopliae was isolated from the dead mosquitoes which were collected from the field or dead after the collection.Bioassay was performed to determine its efficacy.Results:The results indicated that M.anisopliae had larvicidal effect with LC,value 1.09×10~5 and LC_(50) value 1.90×10^(13) while it took 45.41 h to kill 50% of tested population.Conclusions:Taking long time to kill 50%population when compare with the synthetic insecticides,is the only drawback for the use of entomopathogenic fungus but these bio-pesticides are safe for the use.

Lead levels of Culex mosquito larvae inhabiting lead utilizing factory

Objective:To determine lead level primarily in Culex quinquefasciatus(Cx.quinquefasciatus), and Culex gelidus(Cx.gelidus) larvae inhabiting lead consuming factories,and to putatively estimate eco-toxicological impact of effluents from the firms.Methods:Third instars larvae were sampled by standard dipping method and lead concentrations in the larvae and their respective surrounding factory aquatic environments were determined through standard atomic absorption spectrophotometry(AAS).Results:Cx.quinquefasciatus was the most abundant species followed by Cx.gelidus.The levels of lead were higher in the Cx.quinquefasciatus(1.08-47.47μg/g),than in the wastewaters surface(0.01-0.78 μg/mL) from the factories or closer areas around factories. Other species were not reaching the.criteria for lead determination.Conclusions:The Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae can bio-accumulate the metal and can potentially serve as a biomarker of lead contamination,to complemente conventional techniques.

Responsiveness of Anopheles maculipennis to different imagicides during resurgent malaria

Objective:To determine the susceptibility of main malaria vector in Astra County,borderline of Iran and Republic of Azerbaijan for better control.Methods:Susceptibility of Anopheles mactdipennis to diagnostic doses of DDT 4% ,dieldrin 0.4% ,malathion 5% ,lambdacyhalothrin 0.1% ,and delamethrin 0.025% ,was tested according to method recommended by WHO.All the impregnated papers were provided by WHO.Results:It was shown that this species exhibited resistance to DDT,dieldrin,whereas susceptible to malathrion,lambdacyhalothrin and deltamethrin.Conclusions:Findings of susceptibility tests of this species provided a clue for control of malaria vector in the region.

First molecular detection of Theileria ovis in Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick in Iran

Objective:To determine tick infestation of domestic ruminants and their infection to ovine theileriosis in northern Iran.Methods:About 425 domestic ruminants in Ghaemshahr city in northern Iran were inspected for tick infestations.Twenty tick specimens(13 females and 7 males) of Rhipicephalus sanguineus(R.sanguineus).the most common lick in the study area, were tested by PCR amplification against 18s rRNA genome of Theileria spp using specie specific primers and then the PCR products were sequenced for species identification In comparison with data base available in GenBank.Results:About 323 ticks were collected from 102 animals(88 sheep,12 goats and 2 cattle).The prevalence of ticks infesting animals was R.sanguineus(82.35%), Rhipieeplialus bursa(R.bursa)(0.3%),Ixodes ricinus(I.ricinus)(15.2%),Boophilus annulatus (B.annulalus)(1.2%).Haemaphxsalis punctata(H.punctata)(0.3%) and Haemaphysalis numidiana(H.numidianu)(0.6%).Eleven(55%) tick specimens were PCR positive against genome of Theileria ovis(T.avis).Sequence analysis of the PCR products confirmed presence of T. oris in one R.sanguinus.Conclusions:This is the first report of tick infection to T.oris in Iran. Due to dominant prevalence of R.sanguineus as well as its infection to T.oris,it is postulated this tick is the main vector of ovine theileriosis in northern Iran.

Molecular characterization,biological forms and sporozoite rate of Anopheles stephensi in southern Iran

Objective:To identify the biological forms,sporozoite rate and molecular characterization of the Anopheles stephensi(An.stephensi)in Hormozgan and Sistan-Baluchistan provinces,the most important malarious areas in Iran.Methods:Wild live An.stephensi samples were collected from different malarious areas in southern Iran.The biological forms were identified based on number of egg-ridges.Molecular characterization of biological forms was verified by analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and II(mtDNA-COI/COII).The Plasmodium infection was examined in the wild female specimens by species-specific nested-PCR method.Results:Results showed that all three biological forms including mysorensis,intermediate and type are present in the study areas.Molecular investigations revealed no genetic variation between mtDNA COI/COII sequences of the biological forms and no Plasmodium parasites was detected in the collected mosquito samples.Conclusions:Presence of three biological forms with identical sequences showed that the known biological forms belong to a single taxon and the various vectorial capacities reported for these forms are more likely corresponded to other epidemiological factors than to the morphotype of the populations.Lack of malaria parasite infection in An,stephensi,the most important vector of malaria,may be partly due to the success and achievement of ongoing active malaria control program in the region.

The biology and demographic parameters of Aedes albopictus in northern peninsular Malaysia

Objective:To generate life table characteristics for the dengue vector Aedes albopictus(A. albopictus) under uncontrolled conditions,incorporating both the aquatic and the adult stages. Methods:Ten females derived from wild pupae were allowed to fully blood-feed on restrained mice.774 eggs were hatched in seasoned water.F1 larvae were followed for development until their F2 counterparts emerged as adults.Some population parameters were monitored(Fl) or estimated(F2).Results:A.albopictus exhibited increased fecundity and egg hatch success. Immature development was quick.Immature survival was high,with lowest rate in the pupal stage.Adult emergence was about 81%and sex ratio was close to 1:1.Generational mortality(K) was about 28%.A high proportion of females completed a reproductive cycle and the obtained parity rate was predicted to lead to higher fecundity in the next generation.Conclusios:It can be concluded that natural A.albopictus populations in Penang seem largely determined by quick development in combination with low immature loss and increased oviposition.

Comparative efficacy of neem and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) against malaria vector,Anopheles stephensi (diptera:culicidae)

Malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world which is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquitoes. There are several methods for malaria control.One of them is application of repellents on skin in malarious area as an intergrated vectro management measures.This study evaluated two repellents of DMP as a synthtic and locally product of neem oil as a botanical repellent against Anopheles stephensi.The modified method of K & D was used for the tests.Probing/biting rates on the shaved belly of white rabbits were counted. ED50 and ED95 values were calculated by probit statistic software.Calculation of effective dose(ED50, ED90 ) on human volunteer and white rabbit was performed using regression line.Protection and failure time of DMP and neem oil was also determined.ED50 value of DMP and neem oil was determined as 0.0076 and 0. 159 mg/cm respectively on white rabit.The figures of ED90 value of DMP and neem oil was determined as 0. 046 and 1.388 mg/cm^2.DMP and neem oil showed repellency effects against An.stephensi on human volunteers with ED50 value of 0.0037 and 0.127 mg/cm^2 respectively.ED90 value of DMP was determined as 0. 032 mg/cm^2.neem oil exhibited a ED90 value of 1.066 mg/cm^2 on human volunteer.The protection time of 6-7 hours for DMP and 31 minute for neem oil was determined.The failure times for DMP and Neem was 9 hours and 65 minutes rspectively on human bait.Our results exhibited that plant-based repellent is generally less effective than synthetic repellents.However,use of locally made botanical materials would be of great advantages for personal protection against mosquito biting.

Recent advances on pathogenesis,diagnosis,prevention,immunological aspects,and vectors of dengue:A review

Dengue is a vector-borne disease caused by the dengue virus(DENV)of family Flaviviridae.Dengue fever is common in both developed and developing countries.Globally,approximately 400 million cases of dengue fever are reported annually,resulting in approximately 22000 fatalities.Dengue cases in India have progressively increased in the last decade.In recent years,substantial progress has been made in understanding various aspects of dengue,including its pathogenesis,diagnosis,prevention strategies,immunological responses,and the role of vectors in its transmission.The transmission of a positive RNA virus occurs through Aedes mosquitoes,specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.This virus is associated with a wide spectrum of symptoms,ranging from mild undifferentiated fever to severe hemorrhagic fever and shock,posing a potential threat to human health.There are 4 types of antigenically distinct dengue serotypes(DENV-1 to DENV-4)and among them,DENV-2 is more lethal and extremely severe.To overcome the severity of dengue,Dengvaxia is administered to children 9 to 16 years old with evidence of previous dengue infection.The diagnosis of dengue is carried out by ELISA-based non-structural protein(NS1)and immunoglobulin tests.However,there are no specific biomarkers to identify severe disease progression.Climatic factors and temperature play an important role in complex interaction among host,vector,and virus to manifest the severity of dengue.There is a need for the refinement of climate-based disease forecasting models in India to effectively control the spread of dengue.The mosquito repellent should be used periodically to kill or repel the Aedes mosquito to prevent the spread of dengue in humans.

Synergists action of piperonyl butoxide and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate on toxicity of carbamate insecticides against Blattella germanica

Objective: To determine the synergists action of piperonyl butoxide(PBO) and S,S,Stributyl phosphorotrithioate(DEF) on toxicity of carbamate insecticides against Blattella germanica in Tehran city.Methods: In the current study, German cockroach strains were collected from several hospitals and dormitories in Tehran.At the beginning, different concentrations of bendiocarb and carbaryl(insecticides belong to carbamate group) were determined by surface contact on a susceptible strain.Then, the level of susceptibility and type of resistance mechanisms in the collected strains from contaminated sites to the aforementioned insecticides were studied by using PBO and DEF synergists with different insecticide ratios to synergist(1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3).Results: The DEF synergist along with bendiocarb and carbaryl completely eliminated the resistance in all strains but PBO did not completely eliminate the resistance in the strains of Mofid, Alvand, Valiasr hospitals and Shariati dormitory.Generally, the impact of DEF was observed in the removing resistance more than PBO.Conclusions: In most of these strains, resistance to bendiocarb and carbaryl is completely eliminated by DEF, showing a very high role of estraze enzymes in resistance to bendiocarb and carbaryl.But in most strains PBO does not remove the resistance because other mechanisms, such as reduced cuticle penetration and insensitivity to the acetylcholine esterase enzyme, may be involved.

Susceptibility of Anopheles maculipennis to different classes of insecticides in West Azarbaijan Province, Northwestern Iran

Objective: To determine the susceptibility status of Anopheles maculipennis(An. maculipennis) against the major insecticides used in the health sectors in West Azarbaijan Province, Northwestern Iran.Methods: Unfed 3-5 days old adult females of An. maculipennis were collected across the West Azarbaijan Province and were subjected to evaluation of their susceptibility following World Health Organization recommended protocol against six insecticides(permethrin, deltamethrin, propoxur, bendiocarb, malathion and dieldrin) belonging to four different classes. Results: In this study, 916 specimens of An. maculipennis were examined against the insecticides which indicated that An. maculipennis was tolerant to permethrin, deltamethrin and dielderin, but displayed resistance against propoxur, bendiocarb and malathion. Conclusions: The pattern of resistance in An. maculipennis could be attributed to the agricultural landscapes, agricultural pesticides used and the exposure of the mosquitoes to insecticides. Logical cooperation is needed between the agriculture and health sectors to ensure the judicious use of pesticides in each sector and the management of probable resistance.

Phytochemistry and larvicidal activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis against malaria vector,Anopheles stephensi

Objective:To determine phytochemistry and larvicidal activity of Eucalyptus eamaldulensis against Anopheles stephensi.Methods:The chemical compositions of the leaf essential oils were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry（GC/MS）.The larvicidal activity of essential oils and extract of leaf were tested against 4th instar larvae of laboratory-reared Anopheles stephensi.Results:GC/MS analyses identified the presence of 28 compounds corresponding to 99.60%of the total oil.The main constituents in the leaf essential oil were 1,8-cineole（69.46%）,γ-Terpinene（15.10%）,α-Pinene（5.47%） and Globulol（2%）.The leaf extract and volatile oil exerted significant larvicidal activity with LC50 values of 89.85 and 397.75 ppm,respectively.Clear dose-response relationships were established with the highest dose of 320 ppm essential oil extract resulted almost 100%mortality in the population.Conclusions:The larvicidal properties suggest that the essential oil of plant is a potential source of valuable larvicidal compounds against malaria vector and can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Phlebotomus papatasi and Meriones libycus as the vector and reservoir host of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Qomrood District,Qom Province,central Iran

Objective:To determine the sand flies species responsible for most transmission of Leishmania major(L major) to human,as well as to determine the main reservoir hosts of the disease. Methods:Sand flies were collected using sticky papers and mounted in Puri’s medium for species identification.Rodents were trapped by live Sherman traps.Both sand flies and rodents were subjected to molecular methods for detection of leishmanial parasite.Results:Phlebotomus papatasi(P.papatasi) was the common species in outdoor and indoor resting places.Employing PCR technique only three specimens of 150 P.papatasi(2%) were found naturally infected by parasites with a band of 350 bp which is equal to the L major parasite.Forty six rodents were captured by Sherman traps and identified.Microscopic investigation on blood smear of the animals for amastigote parasites revealed 1(3.22%) infected Meriones libycus(M.libycus). Infection of this animal to L.major was confirmed by PCR against rDNA loci of the parasite. Conclusions:This is the first molecular report of parasite infection of both vector(P.papatasi) and reservoir(M.libycus) to L major in the region.The results indicated that P.papatasi was the primary vector of the disease and circulating the parasite between human and reservoirs and M. libycus was the most important host reservoir for maintenance of the parasite source in the area.

Survey of tick species parasiting domestic ruminants in Ghaemshahr county,Mazandaran province,Iran

Objective:To determine the tick species parasitizing domestic ruminants in Ghaemshahr county in Mazandaran,a Caspian province in the north of Iran.Methods:About 361 sheep, 54 goats and 10 cattle of 18 herds in several villages in Ghaemshahr were inspected for tick infestation.Separated ticks were preserved in 70% alcohol and identified.Results:About 323 ticks(207 female,116 male) were collected,the occurrence of ticks on sheep,goats and cattle were 28.3% .22.2% and 20.0% respectively.The mean number of ticks on each animal was low (3-5 ticks per animal).Rhipicephalus sanguineus,Rhipicephalus bursa.Ixodes ricinus,Boophilus annulalus,Haemaphysalis punctata and Haemaphysalis numidiana were the tick species we found.Rhipicephalus sanguineus were the most abundant species in the study area.The largest number of ticks were generally present from April to July,mostly in animal ears and tails. Ixodes,Boophilus and Haemaphysalis occurred in mountainous areas of Ghaemshahr.whereas Rhipicephalus were present in both mountains and plains of the study area.Conclusions:The result of this study is a survey of tick species from domestic animals in Iran and implication of possible prevention measures for diseases transmitted by ticks.

Bio-ecology of malaria vectors in an endemic area,Southeast of Iran

Objective:To determine some bio-ecological aspects of malaria vectors in Jask County,where is targeted for malaria elimination in the national program.Methods:Mosquitoes were collected monthly during 2013-2014 using different collection methods.Subsequently,ELISA test was used to detect the human blood index of mosquitoes.The susceptibility status of Anopheles stephensi was evaluated against the diagnostic dosages of seven WHO recommended insecticides.Results:A total of 3 650 female and 4 736 Anopheles larvae were collected including Anopheles stephensi,Anopheles culicifacies s.l.,Anopheles dthali.Anopheles fluviatilis s.l.,Anopheles moghulensis and Anopheles turkhodi species.Anopheles stephensi was the dominant collected species on human baits and indoors with high rate of unfed and gravid specimens in internal and external window traps.Human blood index was calculated as 14.3%for this species.It was also found to be resistant to DDT and Dieldrin.Conclusions:The collected species had a wide range of habitats,and resting behaviors.With regarding to the presence of most important malaria vectors in Jask.control of the disease may be so complicated;as based on the weather condition it can be transmitted during the whole year,except for cold months.With this strong potential of transmission,existing population movements in the area may lead to imported cases of malaria and local outbreak(s).So,more specific studies on malaria vectors in high risk areas of Jask County are recommended.

Environmental characteristics of anopheline mosquito larval habitats in a malaria endemic area in Iran

Objective:To determine the effects of environmental parameters of lanal habitats on distribution and abundance of anopheline mosquitoes in Rudan county of Iran.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted during the mosquito breeding season from February 2010 to October 2011. The anopheline larvae were collected using the standard dipping method,the specimens were identified using a morphological-based key.Simultaneously with larvay collection,environmental parameters of the larval habitats including water current and turbidity,sunlight situation,and substrate type of habitats were recorded.Water samples were taken from breeding sites during lanal collection.Before collection of samples,the water temperature was measured.The water samples were analysed for turbidity,conductivity,total alkalinity,total dissolved solid.pH and ions including chloride,sulphate,calcium,and magnesium.Statistical correlation analysis and ANOVA test were used to analyze the association between environmental parameters and larval mosquito abundance.Results:In total 2 973 lanae of the genus Anopheles were collected from 25 larval habitats and identified using morphological characters.They comprised of six species: An.dthali(53.21%),An.stephensi(24.22%),An.culicifacies(14.06%),An.superpictus(4.07%),An. turkhudi(3.30%),and An.apoci(1.14%).The most abundant species was An.dthali which were collected from all of the study areas.Larvae of two malaria vectors.An.dthali and An.stephensi, co-existed and collected in a wide range of habitats with different physico-chemical parameters. The most common larval habitats were man-made sites such as sand mining pools with clean and still water.The anopheline mosquitoes also preferred permanent habitats in sunlight with sandy substrates.The results indicated that there was a significant relationship between mean physicochemical parameters such as water temperature,conductivity,total alkalinity,sulphate,chloride, and mosquito distribution and abundance.Conclusions:The results of this study showed a correlation between certain environmental parameters and mosquito lanae abundance,and these parameters should be considered in planning and implementing larval control programs.