Epidemiological consequences of a newly discovered cryptic subgroup of Anopheles gambiae

4Citations
Citations of this article
41Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

A cryptic subgroup of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquitoes was recently discovered in West Africa. This 'GOUNDRY' subgroup has increased susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly form of malaria. Unusual for this major malaria vector, GOUNDRY mosquitoes also seem to bite exclusively outdoors. A mathematical model is developed to assess the epidemiological implications of current vector control tools, bednets and indoor residual spray, preferentially suppressing the more typical indoor biting mosquitoes. It is demonstrated that even if the GOUNDRY mosquitoes have a decreased preference for human blood, vector controls which select for increased GOUNDRY abundance relative to their indoor biting counterparts risks intensifying malaria transmission. Given the widely observed phenomenon of outdoor biting by major malaria vectors, this behaviour should not be ignored in future modelling efforts and warrants serious consideration in control programme strategy. This journal is © 2011 The Royal Society.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Yakob, L. (2011). Epidemiological consequences of a newly discovered cryptic subgroup of Anopheles gambiae. Biology Letters, 7(6), 947–949. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2011.0453

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free