Seasonal and Spatial Dynamics of the Primary Vector of Plasmodium knowlesi within a Major Transmission Focus in Sabah, Malaysia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Abstract
Background: The simian malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi is emerging as a public health problem in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysian Borneo where it now accounts for the greatest burden of malaria cases and deaths. Control is hindered by limited understanding of the ecology of potential vector species. Methodology/Principal Findings: We conducted a one year longitudinal study of P. knowlesi vectors in three sites within an endemic area of Sabah, Malaysia. All mosquitoes were captured using human landing catch. Anopheles mosquitoes were dissected to determine, oocyst, sporozoites and parous rate. Anopheles balabacensis is confirmed as the primary vector of. P. knowlesi (using nested PCR) in Sabah for the first time. Vector densities were significantly higher and more seasonally variable in the village than forest or small scale farming site. However An. balabacensis survival and P. knowlesi infection rates were highest in forest and small scale farm sites. Anopheles balabacensis mostly bites humans outdoors in the early evening between 1800 to 2000hrs. Conclusions/Significance: This study indicates transmission is unlikely to be prevented by bednets. This combined with its high vectorial capacity poses a threat to malaria elimination programmes within the region.
Keywords
Animals, Anopheles, Feeding Behavior, Female, Forests, Insect Vectors, Longitudinal Studies, Malaysia, Male, Plasmodium knowlesi, Population Density, Seasons, Spatio-Temporal Analysis
Divisions
fac_med
Funders
University of Malaya High Impact Research Grant UM.C/625/1/HIR/099 J-20011-73822,University of Malaya student Grant IPP 105-2014A,Environmental & Social Ecology of Human Infectious Diseases Initiative (ESEI), MRC Grant Number: G1100796
Publication Title
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Volume
9
Issue
10
Publisher
Public Library of Science