1.Vertical distribution of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Lau, K.W ; Chen, C.D ; Lee, H.L. ; Izzul, A.A ; Asri-Isa, M ; Zulfadli, M. ; Sofian-Azirun, M.
Tropical Biomedicine 2013;30(1):36-45
The aim of the present study was to determine the vertical distribution and
abundance of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. Ovitrap surveillance was conducted for 4 continuous weeks in multiple storey
buildings in 4 residential areas located in Selangor [Kg. Baiduri (KB)] and Kuala Lumpur
[Student Hostel of University of Malaya (UM), Kg. Kerinchi (KK) and Hang Tuah (HT)]. The
results implied that Aedes mosquitoes could be found from ground floor to highest floor of
multiple storey buildings and data from different elevation did not show significant difference.
Ovitrap index for UM, KB, HT and KK ranged from 0 – 29.17%, 0 – 55.56%, 8.33 – 83.33% and
0 – 91.17% respectively. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were found breeding in HT, KK
and KB; while only Ae. albopictus was obtained from UM. The results indicate that the
invasion of Aedes mosquitoes in high-rise apartments could facilitate the transmission of
dengue virus and new approaches to vector control in this type of residential area should be
developed.
2.Biting behaviour of medically important mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Peninsular Malaysia
Chen, C.D. ; Wan-Norafikah, O. ; Nurin-Zulkifli, I.M. ; Faezah, K. ; Izzul, A.A. ; Abdullah, A.G. ; Lau, K.W. ; Norma-Rashid, Y. ; Sofian-Azirun, M.
Tropical Biomedicine 2017;34(1):199-211
Human-landing catch (HLC) technique was undertaken in nine selected study sites
within Peninsular Malaysia to determine the biting cycle of Aedes, Armigeres, Culex, and
Mansonia mosquitoes. HLC was conducted 24 hours on three different nights in a duration of
one week at each study site. Aedes albopictus were found in all study sites with bimodal
biting cycle, whereas the biting peak of Aedes butleri was recorded between 1600 and 1900
hr. For Armigeres, five study sites demonstrated similar biting peak hour (1900 – 2000 hr) for
Ar. kesseli four study sites showed biting peak at 1800 – 1900 hr for Ar. subalbatus. Culex
quinquefasciatus was collected from all study sites except in Sungai Penchala with its biting
activity beginning from 1900 hr. Both Mansonia annulifera and Mansonia uniformis captured
in two different study sites showed similar biting peaks (1500 – 1600 hr). It is recommended
that vector control activities be carried out at dusk as almost all mosquito species captured
started their biting activities at that time.