Resting behaviour of malaria vectors in highland and lowland sites of western Kenya: Implication on malaria vector control measures

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224718
• Publication Date: 2020-02-25T13:24:59Z
• Authors: Maxwell G. Machani; Eric Ochomo; Fred Amimo; Jackline Kosgei; Stephen Munga; Guofa Zhou; Andrew K. Githeko; Guiyun Yan; Yaw A. Afrane
• Keywords: Anopheles gambiae; Mosquito control; Dry season; Blood meal

Background Understanding the interactions between increased insecticide resistance and resting behaviour patterns of malaria mosquitoes is important for planning adequate vector control. This study was designed to investigate behavior, host preference rates Plasmodium falciparum infection in relation vectors different ecologies western Kenya. Methods Anopheles mosquito collections were carried out during dry rainy seasons Kisian (lowland site) Bungoma (highland site), both Kenya using pyrethrum spray catches (PSC), mechanical aspiration (Prokopack) indoor collections, clay pots, pit shelter Prokopack outdoor collections. WHO tube bioassay used determine levels phenotypic collected deltamethrin. PCR-based molecular diagnostics speciation, genotype knockdown mutations (1014S 1014F) specific blood meal origins. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) sporozoite infections. Results gambiae s.l. most predominant species (75%, n = 2706) followed by An. funestus (25%, 860). s.s hereafter (An. gambiae) accounted 91% (95% CI: 89–93) arabiensis 8% 6–9) Bungoma, while Kisian, composition 60% 55–66) 39% 34–44). The densities s.l higher indoors than sites s.l; F1, 655 41.928, p < 0.0001, funestus; 36.555, 0.0001). mortality rate F1 progeny 37% 34–39) vs 67% 62–69) respectively Bungoma. In 61–73) 76% 71–80) respectively. 32% 28–35). 1014S mutation only detected resitng arabiensis. Similarly, 1014F present gambiae. highest gambiae, at 11% (34/311), (47/618) 4% (1/27) Overall, 9% (82/956) (8/190) outdoors. 1% (1/112) None tested positive infections (n 73). Conclusion reports high funestus, resistance, persistence transmission regardless use long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). These findings underline difficulties controlling biting current interventions. Supplemental control tools implementation sustainable management strategies are needed