Seasonal Prevalence of Mosquitoes, Including Vectors of Brugian Filariasis, in Southern Islands of the Republic of Korea.
- Author:
Hyeng Il CHEUN
1
;
Shin Hyeong CHO
;
Hee Il LEE
;
E Hyun SHIN
;
Jong Soo LEE
;
Tong Soo KIM
;
Won Ja LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords: Ochlerotatus togoi (=Aedes togoi); Anopheles (Hyrcanus) group; vector; brugian filariasis; southern islands
- MeSH: Animals; Brugia malayi/parasitology; Culicidae/*classification/growth & development/parasitology; Humans; Insect Vectors/*classification/growth & development/parasitology; Population Density; Prevalence; Republic of Korea; Seasons
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology 2011;49(1):59-64
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: A survey of mosquitoes, including the vector status of Brugia malayi filariasis and their relative larval density, was conducted from 2002 to 2005 at several southern remote islands of Jeollanam-do (province), Gyeongsangnam-do, and Jeju-do, Korea, where filariasis was previously endemic. Overall, a total of 9 species belonging to 7 genera were collected. Ochlerotatus togoi (formerly known as Aedes togoi), Anopheles (Hyrcanus) group, and Culex pipiens were the predominant species captured at all areas. Oc. togoi larvae were most frequently collected at salinity levels <0.5% during June and July, with densities decreasing sharply during the rainy season in August. The most likely explanation for the eradication of filariasis in these areas is suggested to be an aggressive treatment program executed during the 1970s and the 1990s. However, high prevalence of the vector mosquitoes may constitute a potential risk for reemerging of brugian filariasis in these areas.
