Preliminary report of mosquitoes survey at Tonga Lake (North-East Algeria)

Abstract

peer reviewedBackground: Mosquitoes are transmitters of several human diseases including, malaria, filariasis, West Nile virus and Rift Valley fever virus. To planified and succeful any mosquito vector control, a good understanding of the occurrence of specific important vector species, their abundance and distribution are needed. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the mosquito potential vectors distributed throughout Tonga Lake region, a part of National Park of El-Kala situated in northeastern Algeria and to discuss the epidemiological importance of these insects. Results: Thirteen species representing five genera were identified: Ae. brelandi, Ae. vexans, An. plumbeus, An. labranchiae, Cx. pipiens s. l., Cx. perexiguus, Cx. theileri, Cx. pusillus, Cx. modestus, Cx. impudicus, Cs. longiareolata, Cs. annulata, Ur. unguiculata. The dominant species was Cx. pipiens s. l. with more than 70%. Conclusion: The occurrence of Aedes, Anopheles and Culex is suggestive of the presence of a risk for vector-borne diseases such as malaria, West Nile fever, Rift Valley Fever and filariasis in the area. In this study, results on species diversity may help in the future planning of vector control measures