Ecology And Biology Of Mosquitoes In Mangrove Forests Of Northern Peninsular Malaysia

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Date
2017-08
Authors
Tengku Ismail, Tengku Nur Saffawati
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Mosquitoes are common biting insects with a major role as vectors of mosquito-borne pathogens, especially in urban and suburban areas across tropical regions. However, the presence of mosquitoes in mangroves is not often the focus of attention and there are gaps in our knowledge of the importance of these habitats. Thus, the study of mosquito ecology and biology of those species associated with mangrove forests is critical to both the assessment and management of public health risks. This study was conducted in three phases; determine the species composition and day biting behavior of mosquitoes of public health concern associated with mangroves, assessment of the suitability of ovitrap surveillance for these mosquitoes and an investigation of biting, fecundity and longevity rate of a strain of Ae. albopictus from mangrove forests. The day biting behavior of mosquitoes in mangrove forests was conducted in Merbok, Kedah, with irregular bimodal biting pattern of mosquitoes in both disturbed and less disturbed areas being documented. The findings also highlighted the relative importance of Ae. albopictus in these habitats as their abundance may play an important role in driving dengue fever outbreaks in Malaysia, especially within communities close to mangrove habitats. A 6-months ovitrap surveillance study focusing on population abundance of Ae. albopictus in mangrove forests resulted in a significant correlation between positive ovitrap index (POI) and mean larvae per trap. Using the ArcGIS 10.3 software, the population density of Ae. albopictus in study areas were mapped and resulted in scattered distribution across study areas. Finally, the study on the physiological component; biting, fecundity and longevity of Ae. albopictus strains from mangroves attribute to slight similarities to laboratory strains. A bimodal biting behavior was observed with disturbed areas displays biting behavior similar to laboratory strain but no statistically significant different was recorded in relation to mosquito strain with biting time. Fecundity and longevity rate was shown to be statistically significantly different between mosquito strains with less disturbed areas have higher rate than disturbed area. The results of this study are of critical importance to the management of dengue in Malaysia and while not usually considered a natural part of the estuarine wetlands of mangroves, this study demonstrated that Ae. albopictus is present and widespread and has the potential to drive outbreaks of mosquito-borne disease in these areas.
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Keywords
The presence of mosquitoes , in mangroves forests is critical
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