Challenges in Understanding the Bionomics of Indian Malaria Vectors.

Abstract

Many factors influence the success or failure of malaria vector control program such as political will, leadership, sustained funding, robustness of healthcare system and others. In addition, updated knowledge and information about the triad of host, parasite, and vector is of paramount importance. Vector bionomics studies that determine mosquito behavior in terms of feeding, resting, biting, mating, breeding, longevity, vectorial capacity, and response to different insecticides are a step towards enhancing our understanding. In the present work, we have compiled studies conducted in India over the past two decades (2000-2020) to identify gaps in our knowledge of malaria vector bionomics and the research that needs to be done in the future. We retrieved district-level data of India's six primary malaria vector species. According to our findings, vector bionomics studies have been undertaken in ∼50% and ∼15% of the country's high (annual parasite index >1) and low (annual parasite index <1) malaria-endemic districts respectively. Most of the research studies focused on mosquito density, insecticide susceptibility status, and parasite detection, whereas other vital bionomics parameters were neglected. Surveys conducted were incomplete, and vector bionomics data were not captured sufficiently. The absence of vector bionomics data can be a blind spot and the lack or inadequate understanding of vector bionomics can lead to use of inappropriate vector control tools. Thus, there is an urgent need to initiate comprehensive bionomics studies on India's primary and secondary malaria vectors.