How to translate text using browser tools
1 September 2013 Ecology and Behavior of Anopheles arabiensis in Relation to Agricultural Practices in Central Kenya
Ephantus J. Muturi, Joseph M. Mwangangi, John C. Beier, Millon Blackshear, James Wauna, Rosemary Sang, Wolfgang R. Mukabana
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Ecological changes associated with anthropogenic ecosystem disturbances can influence human risk of exposure to malaria and other vector-borne infectious diseases. This study in Mwea, Kenya, investigated the pattern of insecticide use in irrigated and nonirrigated agroecosystems and association with the density, survival, and blood-feeding behavior of the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis. The parity rates of adult An. arabiensis from randomly selected houses were determined by examining their ovaries for tracheal distension, and polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the host blood meals. In addition, structured questionnaires were used to generate data on insecticide use. Anopheles arabiensis densities were highest in irrigated rice agroecosystems, intermediate in irrigated French beans agroecosystems, and lowest in the nonirrigated agroecosystem. Anopheles arabiensis adult survivorship was significantly lower in irrigated rice agroecosystems than in irrigated French beans agroecosystems. The human blood index (HBI) was significantly higher in the nonirrigated agroecosystem compared to irrigated agroecosystems. Moreover, there was marked variation in HBI among villages in irrigated agroecosystems with significantly lower HBI in Kangichiri and Mathangauta compared to Kiuria, Karima, and Kangai. The proportion of mosquitoes with mixed blood meals varied among villages ranging from 0.25 in Kangichiri to 0.83 in Kiuria. Sumithion, dimethoate, and alpha cypermethrin were the most commonly used insecticides. The 1st was used mostly in irrigated rice agroecosystems, and the last 2 were used mostly in irrigated French beans agroecosystems. These findings indicate that agricultural practices may influence the ecology and behavior of malaria vectors and ultimately the risk of malaria transmission.

2013 by The American Mosquito Control Association, Inc.
Ephantus J. Muturi, Joseph M. Mwangangi, John C. Beier, Millon Blackshear, James Wauna, Rosemary Sang, and Wolfgang R. Mukabana "Ecology and Behavior of Anopheles arabiensis in Relation to Agricultural Practices in Central Kenya," Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 29(3), 222-230, (1 September 2013). https://doi.org/10.2987/13-6328R.1
Published: 1 September 2013
JOURNAL ARTICLE
9 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
Agroecosystems
Anopheles arabiensis
malaria
vector ecology
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top