A longitudinal study on <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito larval abundance in distinct geographical and environmental settings in western Kenya
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>As the ecology of mosquito larvae can be complex there is need to develop a rational framework for undertaking larval ecological studies. Local environmental characteristics, such as altitude, climate and land use, can significantly...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2011-04-01
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| Series: | Malaria Journal |
| Online Access: | http://www.malariajournal.com/content/10/1/81 |
| _version_ | 1828945481894461440 |
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| author | Mukabana Wolfgang R Paaijmans Krijn P Imbahale Susan S van Lammeren Ron Githeko Andrew K Takken Willem |
| author_facet | Mukabana Wolfgang R Paaijmans Krijn P Imbahale Susan S van Lammeren Ron Githeko Andrew K Takken Willem |
| author_sort | Mukabana Wolfgang R |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>As the ecology of mosquito larvae can be complex there is need to develop a rational framework for undertaking larval ecological studies. Local environmental characteristics, such as altitude, climate and land use, can significantly impact on phenology and population dynamics of mosquito larvae, and indirectly affect the dynamics of mosquito-borne diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of implementing an integrated approach to larval source management under the distinct ecological settings.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was conducted in two highland villages and one village, at a lower altitude, in the Lake Victoria basin, where malaria is endemic and transmitted by the same <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito species. In each village the stability of mosquito larval habitats was classified as either temporary or permanent. The productivity of these habitat types was quantified by carrying out weekly larval sampling using a standard dipping method for a period of two years. During sampling the physical characteristic of the larval habitat, including the vegetation cover were noted. Ambient temperature, rainfall and relative humidity were recorded on a 21 × Micro-datalogger in each study site.</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>Anopheles gambiae </it>sensu lato larvae were found in all study sites. <it>Anopheles arabiensis </it>was more abundant (93%) in Nyalenda (Lake Victoria basin) and Fort Ternan (highland area; 71%). In Lunyerere (highland area), <it>An. gambiae sensu stricto </it>comprised 93% of the total <it>An. gambiae </it>s.l. larvae. Larvae of <it>An. gambiae </it>s.l. mosquitoes were present in both temporary and permanent habitats with monthly variations dependent on rainfall intensity and location. <it>Anopheles </it>larvae were more likely to be found in man-made as opposed to natural habitats. Grassy habitats were preferred and were, therefore, more productive of <it>Anopheles </it>larvae compared to other habitat types. Weekly rainfall intensity led to an increase or decrease in mosquito larval abundance depending on the location.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The majority of mosquito breeding habitats were man made in all sites. Both temporary and permanent habitats were suitable for <it>An. gambiae </it>breeding. In Fort Ternan temporary sites were favoured for mosquito breeding above permanent sites. Significant differences in larval abundance were found depending on weekly rainfall intensity. Larval source management programmes should target permanent and temporary habitats equally and work closely with land and home owners as a majority of the breeding habitats are man made.</p> |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-14T04:52:34Z |
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| id | doaj.art-637c901b489740198cfd0feecb11a552 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1475-2875 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-14T04:52:34Z |
| publishDate | 2011-04-01 |
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| series | Malaria Journal |
| spelling | doaj.art-637c901b489740198cfd0feecb11a5522022-12-21T23:16:30ZengBMCMalaria Journal1475-28752011-04-011018110.1186/1475-2875-10-81A longitudinal study on <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito larval abundance in distinct geographical and environmental settings in western KenyaMukabana Wolfgang RPaaijmans Krijn PImbahale Susan Svan Lammeren RonGitheko Andrew KTakken Willem<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>As the ecology of mosquito larvae can be complex there is need to develop a rational framework for undertaking larval ecological studies. Local environmental characteristics, such as altitude, climate and land use, can significantly impact on phenology and population dynamics of mosquito larvae, and indirectly affect the dynamics of mosquito-borne diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of implementing an integrated approach to larval source management under the distinct ecological settings.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was conducted in two highland villages and one village, at a lower altitude, in the Lake Victoria basin, where malaria is endemic and transmitted by the same <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito species. In each village the stability of mosquito larval habitats was classified as either temporary or permanent. The productivity of these habitat types was quantified by carrying out weekly larval sampling using a standard dipping method for a period of two years. During sampling the physical characteristic of the larval habitat, including the vegetation cover were noted. Ambient temperature, rainfall and relative humidity were recorded on a 21 × Micro-datalogger in each study site.</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>Anopheles gambiae </it>sensu lato larvae were found in all study sites. <it>Anopheles arabiensis </it>was more abundant (93%) in Nyalenda (Lake Victoria basin) and Fort Ternan (highland area; 71%). In Lunyerere (highland area), <it>An. gambiae sensu stricto </it>comprised 93% of the total <it>An. gambiae </it>s.l. larvae. Larvae of <it>An. gambiae </it>s.l. mosquitoes were present in both temporary and permanent habitats with monthly variations dependent on rainfall intensity and location. <it>Anopheles </it>larvae were more likely to be found in man-made as opposed to natural habitats. Grassy habitats were preferred and were, therefore, more productive of <it>Anopheles </it>larvae compared to other habitat types. Weekly rainfall intensity led to an increase or decrease in mosquito larval abundance depending on the location.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The majority of mosquito breeding habitats were man made in all sites. Both temporary and permanent habitats were suitable for <it>An. gambiae </it>breeding. In Fort Ternan temporary sites were favoured for mosquito breeding above permanent sites. Significant differences in larval abundance were found depending on weekly rainfall intensity. Larval source management programmes should target permanent and temporary habitats equally and work closely with land and home owners as a majority of the breeding habitats are man made.</p>http://www.malariajournal.com/content/10/1/81 |
| spellingShingle | Mukabana Wolfgang R Paaijmans Krijn P Imbahale Susan S van Lammeren Ron Githeko Andrew K Takken Willem A longitudinal study on <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito larval abundance in distinct geographical and environmental settings in western Kenya Malaria Journal |
| title | A longitudinal study on <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito larval abundance in distinct geographical and environmental settings in western Kenya |
| title_full | A longitudinal study on <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito larval abundance in distinct geographical and environmental settings in western Kenya |
| title_fullStr | A longitudinal study on <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito larval abundance in distinct geographical and environmental settings in western Kenya |
| title_full_unstemmed | A longitudinal study on <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito larval abundance in distinct geographical and environmental settings in western Kenya |
| title_short | A longitudinal study on <it>Anopheles </it>mosquito larval abundance in distinct geographical and environmental settings in western Kenya |
| title_sort | longitudinal study on it anopheles it mosquito larval abundance in distinct geographical and environmental settings in western kenya |
| url | http://www.malariajournal.com/content/10/1/81 |
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