OBJECTIVETo identify the biological forms, sporozoite rate and molecular characterization of the Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi) in Hormozgan and Sistan-Baluchistan provinces, the most important malarious areas in Iran.

METHODSWild live An. stephensi samples were collected from different malarious areas in southern Iran. The biological forms were identified based on number of egg-ridges. Molecular characterization of biological forms was verified by analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and II (mtDNA-COI/COII). The Plasmodium infection was examined in the wild female specimens by species-specific nested-PCR method.

RESULTSResults showed that all three biological forms including mysorensis, intermediate and type are present in the study areas. Molecular investigations revealed no genetic variation between mtDNA COI/COII sequences of the biological forms and no Plasmodium parasites was detected in the collected mosquito samples.

CONCLUSIONSPresence of three biological forms with identical sequences showed that the known biological forms belong to a single taxon and the various vectorial capacities reported for these forms are more likely corresponded to other epidemiological factors than to the morphotype of the populations. Lack of malaria parasite infection in An. stephensi, the most important vector of malaria, may be partly due to the success and achievement of ongoing active malaria control program in the region.

Animals ; Anopheles ; genetics ; parasitology ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; DNA, Protozoan ; genetics ; Eggs ; classification ; parasitology ; Female ; Iran ; Male ; Parasite Load ; Plasmodium ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sporozoites

OBJECTIVE: To determine the susceptibility status of Anopheles maculipennis (An. maculipennis) against the major insecticides used in the health sectors in West Azarbaijan Province, Northwestern Iran. METHODS: Unfed 3-5 days old adult females of An. maculipennis were collected across the West Azarbaijan Province and were subjected to evaluation of their susceptibility following World Health Organization recommended protocol against six insecticides (permethrin, deltamethrin, propoxur, bendiocarb, malathion and dieldrin) belonging to four different classes. RESULTS: In this study, 916 specimens of An. maculipennis were examined against the insecticides which indicated that An. maculipennis was tolerant to permethrin, deltamethrin and dielderin, but displayed resistance against propoxur, bendiocarb and malathion. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of resistance in An. maculipennis could be attributed to the agricultural landscapes, agricultural pesticides used and the exposure of the mosquitoes to insecticides. Logical cooperation is needed between the agriculture and health sectors to ensure the judicious use of pesticides in each sector and the management of probable resistance.