Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Medical Entomology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares Univesity,Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University
3
Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran,
4
Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, USA
10.22038/mjms.2025.87710.4995
Abstract
Malaria is one of the oldest parasitic diseases in Iran. Among malaria vector mosquitoes, Anopheles stephensi is a major human malaria vector across the Middle East and South Asia, including the Indian subcontinent and Pakistan, extending westward through Iran and Iraq to the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula. Recently, this species has spread to parts of Africa, raising concerns about increased malaria transmission in new areas. Anopheles stephensi exists as intermediate, type, and mysorensis biotypes. This study aimed to evaluate the biological parameters of Anopheles stephensi biotype mysorensis in water from Chah-Nimeh reservoirs (Sistan and Baluchistan), Karun River (Khuzestan), Aliabad Waterfall (Golestan), and Minab River (Hormozgan) at the National Insectarium of Iran, Pasteur Institute.
Mosquitoes were reared under controlled conditions (27±2°C, 75±5% relative humidity, 12:12 light-dark cycle). Key life table parameters—finite population growth rate, mean generation time, net reproduction rate, eggs laid, mortality rates, sex ratio, and egg hatching rates—were analyzed. Results showed that the mysorensis biotype exhibited the highest values of R, λ, R0, and T in eastern and southern waters of Iran, with greater adaptation to eastern water quality. Generation time ranged from 14.64 to 17.01 days. The highest net reproduction rate (R0) was observed in eastern (104) and southern (102.44) regions.
Female adult survival rates in southern, northern, eastern, and western waters were 0.39, 0.38, 0.41, and 0.33, respectively, while male survival rates were 0.25, 0.25, 0.27, and 0.2. Overall, Anopheles stephensi biotype mysorensis showed the highest adaptability to eastern Iran’s water compared to other regions.
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