Introduction:Karachi,a city of unique terrain and moderate tropical climate,is home to several mosquito species.The geographical distribution and density of these species may vary within the city,owing to their intera...Introduction:Karachi,a city of unique terrain and moderate tropical climate,is home to several mosquito species.The geographical distribution and density of these species may vary within the city,owing to their interaction with an ever-increasing population and urban settings.As a consequence,the prevalence of vector-borne diseases is unpredictable within the geographical limits of Karachi city.In this spatiotemporal study,1,156 mosquito samples were collected from 50 study sites with unique ecological characteristics within the city and a taxonomical exercise was conducted to investigate different vector species thriving in different months and seasons of the year.The main genera of mosquitoes were identified and categorized using a pictorial key based on the standard guidelines of the Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit,substantiated with ancillary literature.Results:Three important genera were found in Karachi:Anopheles,Aedes and Culex.Important subgenera were subsequently identified,based on their susceptibility to major vector-borne diseases.January had the highest concentration of adult mosquitoes,as the colder weather conditions were suitable for breeding.May recorded the lowest number,owing to excessively hot weather when most of the breeding pockets had dried out;less vegetation(in pre-monsoon conditions)prevented mosquito growth.Conclusions:Slum areas showed an abundance of malaria and dengue vectors,owing to poor hygiene conditions caused by open sewage drains.Hence,a major precaution is to raise awareness among people about mosquito-borne diseases.The breeding habitats of these vectors should be studied using geospatial technologies to improve spatial and temporal coverage.展开更多
文摘Introduction:Karachi,a city of unique terrain and moderate tropical climate,is home to several mosquito species.The geographical distribution and density of these species may vary within the city,owing to their interaction with an ever-increasing population and urban settings.As a consequence,the prevalence of vector-borne diseases is unpredictable within the geographical limits of Karachi city.In this spatiotemporal study,1,156 mosquito samples were collected from 50 study sites with unique ecological characteristics within the city and a taxonomical exercise was conducted to investigate different vector species thriving in different months and seasons of the year.The main genera of mosquitoes were identified and categorized using a pictorial key based on the standard guidelines of the Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit,substantiated with ancillary literature.Results:Three important genera were found in Karachi:Anopheles,Aedes and Culex.Important subgenera were subsequently identified,based on their susceptibility to major vector-borne diseases.January had the highest concentration of adult mosquitoes,as the colder weather conditions were suitable for breeding.May recorded the lowest number,owing to excessively hot weather when most of the breeding pockets had dried out;less vegetation(in pre-monsoon conditions)prevented mosquito growth.Conclusions:Slum areas showed an abundance of malaria and dengue vectors,owing to poor hygiene conditions caused by open sewage drains.Hence,a major precaution is to raise awareness among people about mosquito-borne diseases.The breeding habitats of these vectors should be studied using geospatial technologies to improve spatial and temporal coverage.
