Scientists Discover New Malaria Mosquitoes

Scientists recently identified species of malaria mosquito which is a sub group of Anopheles gambiae, malaria spreading mosquito species in Africa.

These new mosquitoes are outside the previous classification, because it nests outside human habitation, where scientists used to take samples of mosquitoes.

According to BBC, scientists from the Pasteur Institute, Paris, France, led by Dr. Michelle Riehle discovered the new type of mosquito after collecting samples of mosquito larvae from ponds and pools of mud in Burkina Faso for four years. The team then did an observation in the laboratory on these blood-sucking insects.

The observation found that there are many differences between this new mosquito with the Anopheles gambiae that has been known previously. Concern also grew after the team conducted breeding of several generations of themosquitoes and found that this new mosquito species are more susceptible to malaria parasites than mosquitoes which nests inside a room.

Based on the results of the study, the researchers speculated that this new type of mosquito is the latest development of mosquito evolution. Therefore, they urged further investigations to be able to take anticipatory action in controlling malaria. In addition, they also stressed the need for new strategies in sampling of mosquito or larvae so that it can produce more complete findings.

On the other hand, a research to find out more details about the spread of malaria in a region, a multinational project (AvecNET) with a fund of 12 million euros was also launched. The study, led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, was aimed to reveal what the malaria mosquito prey, when they eat, in what areas, and whether they are contagious and whether mosquitoes are nesting outside the home also plays a role in malaria transmission.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 200 million cases of malaria worldwide each year. This disease had caused death of hundreds of thousands of people per year with the biggest victims in Africa. Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite that is spread through the bite of female anopheles mosquito.