Anopheles plumbeus Stephens, 1828: a neglected malaria vector in Europe

Abstract

Traditionally field and laboratory research about malaria vectors in Europe have been mainly focused on the species of the Anopheles maculipennis complex. However, although malaria is essentially a rural disease, potential urban vectors merit attention. Because only a few European Anopheles species can breed in urban environments, improving knowledge about their bioecology is necessary to implement effective control measures. Among these opportunistic species, Anopheles plumbeus has a distinctive dendrolimnic behavior, being able to complete its larval development in small containers. The aim of this paper is to provide a thorough review of the limited studies on An. plumbeus with the aim of providing useful epidemiological information.

Anopheles plumbeus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Europe: a mere nuisance mosquito or potential malaria vector?

“…This increase in abundance is likely the consequence of an expansion of larval habitats. Originally known as a dendrolimnic species, breeding almost exclusively in tree holes with correspondingly small adult populations due to the scarcity of such breeding sites, this mosquito has recently been shown to exploit a wider array of larval breeding sites such as septic tanks, catch basins, tires, cemetery vases, rain water casks [25-28]. These novel breeding sites are all man-made sites, usually rich in organic matter, and indeed, all cemetery vases colonized by An.…”

Re-Emergence of Malaria and Dengue in Europe

“…plumbeus is the only hole breeding species of the genus Anopheles in Europe. Although it is a strictly dendrolimnic species, during dry periods females can also lay the eggs in small domestic and peridomestic containers, as well as other artificial breeding sites below the ground such as catch basins and septic tanks with water contaminated with organic waste (Bueno Marí & Jiménez Peydró, 2011). There are several reports in Europe about the presence of larvae in a biotope different from the tree cavity (Aitken, 1954;Senevet et al, 1955;Rioux, 1958;Tovornik, 1978;Bueno Marí & Jiménez Peydró, 2010a).…”

First autochthonous malaria case due to Plasmodium vivax since eradication, Spain, October 2010

“…The principal potential anopheline vector of malaria in Spain is Anopheles atroparvus which is widely distributed throughout Spain (Figure) and can transmit Asiatic strains of P. vivax but is refractory to African strains of P. falciparum [7].…”

“…In Spain, the situation following the eradication of malaria in 1964 is defined as 'anophelism without malaria' with the presence of potential vectors for the parasite (mainly An. atroparvus, which is a species refractory to P. falciparum) and environmental conditions favourable for the breeding, development and permanence of the vector [7]. The risk for local transmission of malaria will depend on the presence of parasitaemic individuals and competent vectors at a given time and place.…”