Distribution, host preference and infection rates of malaria vectors in Mauritania

• Main Authors: Lo Baidy, Diallo Diawo, Mohamed Sid, Ba Hampate, Dia Ibrahima, Diallo Mawlouth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-12-01
• Series: Parasites & Vectors
• Online Access: http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/2/1/61

<p>Abstract</p> <p>This study reports for the first time on the distribution, host preference and infection rates of malaria vectors in Mauritania. It was conducted during an outbreak of Rift valley fever. Three anopheline species were reported. <it>An. arabiensis </it>was the predominant species observed in all regions whereas <it>An. pharoensis </it>and <it>An. funestus </it>were observed along the south border in the Senegal River valley where extensive irrigation schemes are present. The distribution limits of anopheline species were observed from the Senegal River basin in the Trarza region up to the south limit of the Saharan desert in Tidjikja city. Overall, all <it>An. funestus </it>and <it>An. pharoensis </it>were fed respectively on human and ovine hosts whereas the mean anthropophilic rate of <it>An. gambiae </it>s.l. was 53%. A low <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>infection rate was observed for species of the <it>An. gambiae </it>complex (0.17%) represented mainly by <it>An. arabiensis</it>. Because of the specific nature of this investigation, longitudinal studies are essential to better characterize the malaria vectors and their respective role in malaria transmission.</p>