Larval ecology of malaria vectors and the impact of larviciding on malaria transmission in The Gambia

摘要: The study reported in this thesis explored the ecology of aquatic stages mosquitoes middle reaches Gambia River order to assess feasibility and impact microbial larviciding on malaria transmission large river ecosystems sub- Saharan Africa. All accessible water bodies four zones covering 400 km(^2) were mapped sampled for mosquitoes. Microbial larvicides applied across-over design mosquito densities assessed. Anopheline culicine found all habitats, apart from those with moving water. Similarly, except puddles channels, had similar larval pupal densities. Anopheles gambiae sensu lato, major vector Africa, exploited a wide range habitats despite decrease population density during dry season, could be breeding sites throughout year. Mosquitoes shared other invertebrates including their predators. A closer look at rice fields revealed that abundant landward edge floodplains where is fresher contains high quantifies nutrients. highly susceptible both Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) B. sphaericus microbials, however no residual activity against anopheline larvae was observed. basic training personnel identification calibration application equipment active proved successful. Routine associated > 91 % reducfion (p < 0.001) anophelines late stage 72 culicines. Overall, 28% = 0.005) reduction number adult female s.l. indoors, although rose 42%, when zone greatest abundance excluded analysis. No significant culicines Ground Bti areas extensive unlikely contribute substantial Gambia, therefore control such should target