Abstract
BackgroundGlobal maps, in particular those based on vector distributions, have long been used to help visualise the global extent of malaria. Few, however, have been created with the support of a comprehensive and extensive evidence-based approach.MethodsHere we describe the generation of a global map of the dominant vector species (DVS) of malaria that makes use of predicted distribution maps for individual species or species complexes.ResultsOur global map highlights the spatial variability in the complexity of the vector situation. In Africa, An. gambiae, An. arabiensis and An. funestus are co-dominant across much of the continent, whereas in the Asian-Pacific region there is a highly complex situation with multi-species coexistence and variable species dominance.ConclusionsThe competence of the mapping methodology to accurately portray DVS distributions is discussed. The comprehensive and contemporary database of species-specific spatial occurrence (currently available on request) will be made directly available via the Malaria Atlas Project (MAP) website from early 2012.
Highlights
Global maps, in particular those based on vector distributions, have long been used to help visualise the global extent of malaria
This paper describes the production of a global map of dominant malaria vectors using these individual species maps
The database includes over 4800 sources relating to 15837 occurrence data points and holds the other elements required to produce predictive distribution maps for all species/species complexes including a suite of open access environmental or climatic variables and expert opinion (EO) range maps
Summary
In particular those based on vector distributions, have long been used to help visualise the global extent of malaria. By necessity, must simplify a complex diversity of numerous interacting and sympatric anopheline species Such simplification refines the information down to a minimum, indicating only the primary vector(s) at each location and provides users, such as public health officials, modellers and opinion formers, with a global and regional picture that is easy to digest and utilise for scientific, operational and advocacy purposes. More recently Mouchet et al [3] updated Macdonald’s map, reassigning the 12 zones into more conventional biogeographical regions This history of malaria vector (or vector-associated) visualisation indicates a past appetite for such maps, Human malarial protozoa are transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, which includes 465 formally recognised species and more than 50 unnamed members of species complexes [5]. 70 of these species have the capacity to transmit human malaria parasites [6] and 41 are considered here to be dominant vector species/species complexes (DVS), capable of transmitting malaria at a level of major concern to public health [7]
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