The Anopheles gambiae Giles complex and Bancroftian filariasis transmission in a Tanzanian coastal village

Abstract

A combination of morphological and cytotaxonomic methods was used to identify members of the Anopheles gambiae complex in Vyeru village, Tanzania, and these methods were considered sufficiently reliable for valid conclusions to be drawn regarding An. gambiae and An. merus.

Anopheles merus was the predominant species during periods oflow rainfall, whereas An. merus and An. gambiae were present in similar numbers during periods of high rainfall. Anopheles gambiae was endophilic whereas An. merus was highly exophilic. Anopheles merus was an important vector of bancroftian filariasis in this area.