Species diversity of mosquito breeding in rubber plantations of Kerala, India.

During south-west monsoon season, rubber plantations in Kerala have been found to provide ideal conditions for the proliferation of mosquitoes. In a study conducted from June 2005 to September 2010 in Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode districts, 12 species of mosquitoes in 6 genera--Aedes, Armigeres, Culex, Heizmannia, Toxorhynchites, and Verrallina--were found to breed in rain water-filled cups used for collecting rubber latex. The only vector species found was Aedes albopictus, known for its ability to transmit dengue and chikungunya.

Resting behavior and malaria vector incrimination of Anopheles stephensi in Goa, India.

Malaria in Goa, India, has been endemic ever since an outbreak occurred in 1986. Anopheles stephensi Liston has always been suspected as a malaria vector in this area. Due to lack of knowledge on its resting behavior, sufficient adult females could not be collected and incriminated as vectors in the past.

Distribution and feeding efficacy of larvivorous fishes of Goa.

Fifteen species of larvivorous fishes, viz. Aplocheilus blockii, Aplocheilus lineatus, Rasbora daniconius, Puntius vittatus, Puntius melanampyx pradhani, Puntius amphibius, Macropodus cupanus, Danio aequipinnatus. Oreochromis mossambicus, Heteropneustes sp, Therapon jarbua, Etroplus suratensis, Mugil cephalus.

Clinical trials of a new immunochromatographic test for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Goa.

Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein-2 (PfHRP-2) based immunochromatographic test kit (ICT Malaria Pf) for the rapid diagnosis of P. falciparum malaria was evaluated at the clinic of Malaria Research Centre (Field Station), Goa. Of the 98 febrile patients screened, 22 were ICT positive for P.

Control of Culex quinquefasciatus with Bacillus sphaericus in Vasco City, Goa.

In a locality (Sada) of Vasco City, Goa, India, that was highly infested with mosquitoes, weekly spraying of Bacillus sphaericus (strain 101, serotype H 5a 5b) at the rate of 1 g/m2 in polluted water habitats, viz, surface drains, cess pits, cess pools, and septic tanks, resulted in a sharp decline in the immature and adult populations of Culex quinquefasciatus. The per man-hour adult densities, percent habitat positivity, and immature densities were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the treated area compared to the control area through out the study period.

Control of Anopheles stephensi breeding in construction sites and abandoned overhead tanks with Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis.

Bacillus thuringiensis (H-14), strain 164 (Bactoculicide) when applied at 1 g/m2 surface area successfully controlled Anopheles stephensi breeding in construction sites, abandoned overhead tanks, and curing waters. Subsequent to application, no pupal production was observed in these habitats for 3, 18, and 21 days, respectively. Based on these findings, inclusion of Bactoculicide in the bioenvironmental vector control strategy is suggested and fortnightly spraying in construction sites at 1 g/m2 surface area is recommended for the containment of vector breeding.

Malaria control utilizing Bacillus sphaericus against Anopheles stephensi in Panaji, Goa.

In a large malaria endemic area in Panaji city, Goa, India, the weekly application of the biolarvicide Bacillus sphaericus (Strain 101, Serotype H 5a 5b) at the rate of 1 g/m2 in the main Anopheles stephensi larval habitats, viz., curing waters, masonry tanks, and sump tanks (under construction), from April to December 1993 resulted in a sharp decline in the habitat positivity (range 0.13-8.

Insecticide susceptibility status of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti in Panaji, Goa.

Adult and larval insecticidal tests conducted in Panaji, Goa, revealed that adults of An. stephensi were resistant to DDT (4.0%), dieldrin (0.