Abstract
AbstractIntroductionKarachi, a city of unique terrain and moderate tropical climate, is home to several mosquito species. The geographical distribution and density of these species may vary within the city, owing to their interaction with an ever-increasing population and urban settings. As a consequence, the prevalence of vector-borne diseases is unpredictable within the geographical limits of Karachi city. In this spatiotemporal study, 1,156 mosquito samples were collected from 50 study sites with unique ecological characteristics within the city and a taxonomical exercise was conducted to investigate different vector species thriving in different months and seasons of the year. The main genera of mosquitoes were identified and categorized using a pictorial key based on the standard guidelines of the Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, substantiated with ancillary literature.ResultsThree important genera were found in Karachi:Anopheles,AedesandCulex. Important subgenera were subsequently identified, based on their susceptibility to major vector-borne diseases. January had the highest concentration of adult mosquitoes, as the colder weather conditions were suitable for breeding. May recorded the lowest number, owing to excessively hot weather when most of the breeding pockets had dried out; less vegetation (in pre-monsoon conditions) prevented mosquito growth.ConclusionsSlum areas showed an abundance of malaria and dengue vectors, owing to poor hygiene conditions caused by open sewage drains. Hence, a major precaution is to raise awareness among people about mosquito-borne diseases. The breeding habitats of these vectors should be studied using geospatial technologies to improve spatial and temporal coverage.
Highlights
Karachi, a city of unique terrain and moderate tropical climate, is home to several mosquito species
Slum areas showed an abundance of malaria and dengue vectors, owing to poor hygiene conditions caused by open sewage drains
Vector-borne diseases have been proven as major contributors of death and illness in many developing countries in the world
Summary
A city of unique terrain and moderate tropical climate, is home to several mosquito species. The prevalence of vector-borne diseases is unpredictable within the geographical limits of Karachi city. In this spatiotemporal study, 1,156 mosquito samples were collected from 50 study sites with unique ecological characteristics within the city and a taxonomical exercise was conducted to investigate different vector species thriving in different months and seasons of the year. Vector-borne diseases have been proven as major contributors of death and illness in many developing countries in the world. In 2010, estimated deaths from malaria were about 655,000, out of which 86% were reported to be among children younger than 5 years (World Health Organization 2011). Besides Anopheles, several subgenera of Aedes and Culex were reported to be found in Pakistan (Aslamkhan 1971)
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