Anopheles species diversity and distribution of the malaria vectors of Thailand

Abstract

In Thailand, seven Anopheles species within three species assemblages have been incriminated as important malaria vectors. Comprehensive maps showing the countrywide geographical distribution of primary and secondary malaria vector species have not yet been developed; the maps that do exist are typically restricted to specific areas or are out of date. In addition, with the advent of molecular-based species-identification tools, the geographical locations of various sibling species have been more clearly defined in the country. This review has compiled published data on the known distribution of important malaria vectors in Thailand based on genetic and molecular identification assays from 1994 to 2014, with maps of relevant species distribution provided herein.