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1 July 2012 Impact of Environmental Changes and Human-Related Factors on the Potential Malaria Vector, Anopheles labranchiae (Diptera: Culicidae), in Maremma, Central Italy
D. Boccolini, L. Toma, M. Di Luca, F. Severini, M. Cocchi, A. Bella, A. Massa, F. Mancini Barbieri, G. Bongiorno, L. Angeli, G. Pontuale, I. Raffaelli, A. M. Fausto, A. Tamburro, R. Romi
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Abstract

The Maremma Plain (central Italy) was hyper-endemic for malaria until the mid-20th century, when a national campaign for malaria elimination drastically reduced the presence of the main vector Anopheles labranchiae Falleroni. However, the introduction of rice cultivation over 30 yr ago has led to an increase in the An. labranchiae population and concern over possible malaria reemergence. We studied the impact of anthropogenic environmental changes on the abundance and distribution of An. labranchiae in Maremma, focusing on rice fields, the main breeding sites. Adults and larvae were collected in three main areas with diverse ecological characteristics. Data were collected on human activity, land use, and seasonal climatic and demographic variations. We also interviewed residents and tourists regarding their knowledge of malaria. Our findings showed that the most important environmental changes have occurred along the coast; An. labranchiae foci are present throughout the area, with massive reproduction strictly related to rice cultivation in coastal areas. Although the abundance of this species has drastically decreased over the past 30 yr, it remains high and, together with climatic conditions and the potential introduction of gametocyte carriers, it may represent a threat for the occurrence of autochthonous malaria cases. Our findings suggest the need for the continuous monitoring of An. labranchiae in the study area. In addition to entomological surveillance, more detailed knowledge of human-induced environmental changes is needed, so as to have a more complete database that can be used for vector-control plans and for properly managing emergencies related to autochthonous introduced cases.

© 2012 Entomological Society of America
D. Boccolini, L. Toma, M. Di Luca, F. Severini, M. Cocchi, A. Bella, A. Massa, F. Mancini Barbieri, G. Bongiorno, L. Angeli, G. Pontuale, I. Raffaelli, A. M. Fausto, A. Tamburro, and R. Romi "Impact of Environmental Changes and Human-Related Factors on the Potential Malaria Vector, Anopheles labranchiae (Diptera: Culicidae), in Maremma, Central Italy," Journal of Medical Entomology 49(4), 833-842, (1 July 2012). https://doi.org/10.1603/ME11252
Received: 16 November 2011; Accepted: 1 February 2012; Published: 1 July 2012
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KEYWORDS
Anopheles labranchiae
environmental change
Italy
malaria
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