Entomological Aspects Research Articles

Published questionnaires and clinical observation surveys on traumatic sheep myiasis: optimizing survey design and the integration of these two survey methods.

Questionnaires and clinical observations are significant components of human and veterinary epidemiology surveys, providing a comprehensive prognosis of the occurrence and prevalence of diseases. The information compiled by these two survey methods is equally important for establishing an epidemiological surveillance system for disease outbreak management. This review summarizes 57 previous surveys, including questionnaires and clinical observations on sheep myiasis globally from 1976 to 2023, with an emphasis on their methodologies and areas of findings. Overall, this review establishes a baseline understanding of the essential entomological and veterinary aspects required for designing questionnaires and clinical observation surveys on sheep myiasis. Additionally, it provides guidance for implementing future study protocols and proposes a farmer-based approach that integrates these techniques to achieve improved outcomes in mitigating sheep myiasis.

Ecology and molecular analysis of sand flies in Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Implications for leishmaniasis surveillance.

Leishmaniasis stands out as a public health problem in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, especially in the Midwest region. However, the entomological aspects in several municipalities remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the sand fly fauna in Bambuí, encompassing ecological dynamics and molecular detection of Leishmania. Monthly collections were conducted using CDC light traps from September 2018 to August 2020 across 16 selected points with urban and rural characteristics, chosen based on the coverage area of the Municipal Health Department and the occurrence of canine and human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases. Ecological indices of the sand fly population (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson and Pielou) were assessed, and sand fly abundance was correlated to climatic variables (humidity, temperature and rainfall). A total of 8838 specimens representing 17 species within nine genera were collected (estimated species richness by Chao 1 estimator = 17; SE ± 1.8). Predominantly, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Nyssomyia whitmani and Evandromyia cortelezzii constituted approximately 98% of all captured sand flies. While species richness and diversity displayed variations throughout the study, a positive correlation emerged between temperature (p < 0.0001; r = 0.7767), monthly rainfall (p < 0.0001; r = 0.7810) and sand fly abundance. Molecular analysis revealed Leishmania DNA in 2.05% of female sand flies, with the presence of Leishmania infantum in Lu. longipalpis and both Le. infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in Ev. cortelezzii. The entomological data, coupled with the occurrence of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis, offer valuable insights for evidence-based strategies to prevent leishmaniasis in Bambuí.

Insecticide resistance status and bar-codingof dengue vectors in three districts of Tamil Nadu, India.

Occurrence and distribution of vector population are crucial for entomological study in context of prevention, control and elimination of vector-borne diseases. To update some entomological aspects in three districts of Tamil Nadu state namely Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam and Thriuvarur districts, the study was undertaken. The objective of the study was to understand the prevalence of mosquitoes; to assess insecticide resistance and phylogenetic analysis of dengue vectors [Aedes (Ae.) aegypti and Ae.albopictus]. The immature stages of mosquitoes were collected from different localities by standard WHO methods marking with GPS and mapping was done using ArcGIS 10.4 software for all three districts. Insecticide resistance test was conducted using WHO susceptibility test kits. The F1 generation of female adult mosquitoes of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were exposed to DDT 4% and Malathion 5% with the control paper of Risella oil and olive oil respectively. Further, genomic DNA of individual mosquito was isolated, and the sequencingwas done through Eurofins, Bangalore, India. The FASTA sequence was analyzed and the phylogenic tree was constructed using the Maximum likelihood method in Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) software (version 10.0). A totally 5307 specimens were collected through expanded survey in all three study areas. The collection yielded 16 species from six genera of mosquitoes. In total collection, the Ae. albopictus was the dominant species in Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur districts and Ae. aegypti was dominant in Nagapattinam district. The predominant breeding sources were discarded tyre with rainwater, plastic cups, coconut shells, aluminum vessels, sliver containers, bottles, grinding stones and earthen pots etc. The study revealed high pupal indices in all three study areas. Insecticide resistance monitoring revealed possible resistance in Ae. aegypti against DDT in all three districts whereas against Malathion, possible resistance was recorded in Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam and in Thiruvarur district, the species was found to be susceptible. Ae. albopictus showed resistance against DDT in all three districts but susceptible to Malathion. The sequences obtained for Dengue vectors showed 99% similar with Genbank. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using COI region sequences. Certainly, observed the different genetic relationship among Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus between the study areas. The study confirmed the presence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in all three districts. The study further revealed that these vectors are susceptible to Malathion but resistance to DDT. The continue surveillance of dengue vector and monitoring of insecticide resistance will strengthen the control programme for appropriate vector control measurements.

Mosquito diversity and abundance in English wetlands – empirical evidence to guide predictions for wetland suitability for mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract The absence of habitat-based guidance for wetland managers on the British mosquito assemblages has in recent years prevented development of the ecological aspect of medical entomology in the UK. This has been particularly relevant in the context of emerging mosquito-borne disease and the creation of wetlands for biodiversity and flood-alleviation goals. This study aimed to provide empirically derived habitat-based predictions in order to assess the suitability of English wetland habitats for mosquitoes. Entomological field data on mosquito density and diversity were collected at 12 English wetlands in 2017 and 2018 using immature and adult mosquito surveys. Wetlands were chosen representing a number of wetland categories that included coastal, urban, wet woodland and established freshwater wetlands to identify key species and functional groups to inform predictions of mosquitoes by aquatic habitat type. Nineteen species were recorded from eight functional groups, totalling 38,577 adult female (19 mosquito species groups) and ~2,000 immature mosquitoes in 13 aquatic habitat types. Approximately 90% of all trapped mosquitoes were attributed to one of five species groups. The most common species were: Aedes (Och.) caspius (Pallas, 1771) (~35% of all mosquitoes), associated with coastal estuarine and flooded grassland sites, Ae. cantans/annulipes (19.7%) in wet woodland field sites, Anopheles claviger (16.2%) and Coquillettidia richiardii (12.6%) with the widest occurrence, found in nearly all field sites, and Ae. detritus (6.9%) in brackish field sites. Across the study, adult mosquito activity increased from week 21 with wet woodland Aedes mosquitoes, until week 40 with open-flood water species, with greatest diversity of species during weeks 23–30. The resulting data inform efforts towards developing predictive tools for non-entomologists to accurately predict the presence and abundance of British mosquitoes in a given habitat, using local knowledge of seasonal aquatic habitats.

The geographical distribution of the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis in Cabo Verde, 2016–2023

BackgroundIntegrated malaria vector control is crucial to eliminate or reduce infection risk. Understanding vector species distribution, behavior, and environmental factors such as climate, topography, and preferred aquatic habitats is essential.ObjectivesHerein, we aim to compile data from 2016 to 2023 on the primary malaria vector in Cabo Verde to support health surveillance and elimination certification.Materials and methodsMosquitoes larvae were collected using standard sampling tools, and adults using Biogents Sentinel traps, mechanical aspiration and CDC UV light traps, both indoor and in the surroundings of urban and rural areas.ResultsSix hundred fifty-seven specimens of Anopheles gambiae s.l. were identified by morphological methods and PCR-based techniques as Anopheles arabiensis in 12 municipalities from six of the nine inhabited islands, namely, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Maio, Boavista, Santiago, and Santo Antão.ConclusionsWe believe this is the first scientific report of the presence of An. arabiensis on the island of Santo Antão. The Anopheles arabiensis remains the only species in the An. gambiae complex in the Cabo Verde islands. These results offer vital insights for epidemiological surveillance and effective malaria control, especially in light of the recent WHO certification declaring the country malaria-free. However, it is imperative to conduct further studies that comprehensively address epidemiological and entomological aspects, with a special focus on bionomics, genetic determinants of the parasite-vector association, and the characterization of larval habitats. These investigations have the potential to guide a more informed and strategic implementation of malaria vector control measures in Cabo Verde.

Epidemiological, Serological, and Entomological Investigation of New Visceral Leishmaniasis Foci in Nepal.

The aim of this study was to explore epidemiological, serological, entomological, and social aspects of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in new foci in Nepal. The study was conducted in 11 villages of five districts that had been previously free of VL but that reported new cases between 2019 and 2021. We screened 1,288 inhabitants using rK39 tests and investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 12 recent VL cases. A total of 182 community members were interviewed about knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding VL. They then underwent an awareness training; 40 of them had a second interview at 6 months to assess the training impact. Vector surveys were conducted in six houses per village to assess sandfly density and infection rates. The prevalence of VL infection was 0.5% and 3.2% among screened populations in Dolpa and Kavre districts, respectively, while the other districts had no rK39-positive cases. No association between travel history and VL infection was found. Phlebotomus argentipes sandflies were collected in three districts at high altitudes (from 1,084 to 4,450 m). None of the sandflies captured had Leishmania donovani DNA. People in new foci were not aware of VL symptoms, vectors, or preventive measures. The training significantly improved their knowledge and practice in seeking medical care in case of illness. The epidemiological, serological, and entomological investigations suggest indigenous focal transmission of VL. An integrated package of strategic interventions should be implemented by the national VL elimination program in districts with new VL foci.

Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by the Same Zymodeme of Leishmania donovani in Kerala, India.

The tribal population in and around the Western Ghats region of India is affected by both cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) with typical clinical symptoms. In this study, we recorded and analyzed seven CL and three VL cases from this emerging belt. All the cases were found as autochthonous transmission. Multiple genetic markers (minicircle kinetoplast DNA polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism of 3'untranslated region heat shock protein (HSP) 70, a larger segment of HSP 70, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase [PGDH] gene sequences) were used to identify and characterize the parasite. It was found that both clinical manifestations are caused by zymodeme MON-37 of Leishmania donovani. We have investigated the detailed entomological and epidemiological aspects of disease transmission. An abundant population of the proven vector Phlebotomus argentipes was observed in the study villages.

Epidemiological, serological, and entomological aspects of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in suspected new VL foci in Bangladesh

The study aimed to explore epidemiological, serological, and entomological aspects of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in suspected new VL foci and assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community living in the alleged new VL foci. The study investigated new visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases reported between 2019 and 2020 in four sub-districts (Dharmapasha, Hakimpur, Islampur and Savar) where we tested 560 members using the rK39 rapid test and conducted vector collections in six neighbouring houses of the index cases to assess sandfly density and distribution, examined sandflies' infection, and determined the spatial relationship with VL infection. Furthermore, we highlighted the importance of early detection, and community awareness in controlling the spread of the disease. The study screened 1078 people from 231 households in the four sub-districts for fever, history of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), and PKDL-like skin lesions. Among sub-districts, positivity rate for rK39 rapid test was highest (3.5 %) in Savar. Sandflies were present across all areas except in Dharmapasha, but all 21 collected female P. argentipes sandflies were negative for Leishmania parasite DNA. We found one person from Islampur with a history of VL, and one from Islampur and another one from Savar had PKDL. After the awareness intervention, more people became familiar with VL infection (91.2 %), and their knowledge concerning sandflies being the vector of the disease and the risk of having VL increased significantly (30.1 %). The study found no active case in the suspected new foci, but some asymptomatic individuals were present. As sandfly vectors exist in these areas, the National Kala-azar Elimination Programme (NKEP) should consider these areas as kala-azar endemic and initiate control activities as per national guidelines.

Entomology beyond research and education: 2022 student debates.

The 2022 student debates of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) happened during the Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Societies of America, Canada, and British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, and addressed entomological aspects beyond research and education. The Student Debates Subcommittee of the ESA Student Affairs Committee and the participating student team members communicated for 8 months and prepared for the debates. The theme of the ESA meeting in 2022 was "Entomology as inspiration: Insects through art, science, and culture". There were 2 unbiased speakers who introduced the debate topics as well as 4 teams who debated the following 2 topics: (i) Is forensic entomology viable in criminal case investigations and court cases today? and (ii) Are insects being treated ethically in scientific research? The teams prepared for about 8 months, debated their arguments, and shared their thoughts with the audience. The teams were judged by a panel and the winners were recognized at the ESA Student Awards Session during the annual meeting.

Thermal preference of adult mosquitoes (Culicidae) and biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) at different altitudes in Switzerland.

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are among the most important vectors of human and veterinary pathogens. For modelling the distribution of these pathogens, entomological aspects are essential, which in turn are highly dependent on environmental factors, such as temperature. In this study, mosquitoes and biting midges were sampled in multiple microclimates at two low (360, 480 meters above sea level, m.a.s.l.) and two high (1250, 1530 m.a.s.l.) altitude locations in Switzerland. Sets of various traps (CO2 -baited CDC, LED-UV, resting boxes, oviposition cups) equipped with dataloggers were placed in transects at five sites with similar vegetation at each location. Only the CDC and the LED-UV traps collected enough insects for analyses. Taxonomic diversity was greater for mosquitoes but lower for biting midges at lower altitudes. Both mosquitoes and biting midges had a thermal preference. Culicoides preferred the traps with warmer microclimate, especially at lower altitudes, whereas mosquito preferences depended on the species, but not on altitude. Relative humidity had a significant positive impact on catches of biting midges but not mosquitoes. To obtain better data on thermal preferences of resting and ovipositing vectors in addition to host seeking individuals, new and improved collecting methods are needed.

Electrolyzed water and gaseous ozone application for the control of microbiological and insect contamination in dried lemon balm: Hygienic and quality aspects

In this study, the sanitization efficacy of decontamination techniques was evaluated on lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). Dried aromatic herbs are minor food components with widespread use and, despite their low water activity, they are often contaminated with microorganisms, including toxigenic and pathogenic ones. Gaseous ozone (GO) and electrolyzed water (EW) treatments were applied on lemon balm after and before drying (traditional at 40 °C and cold at 20 °C), respectively. Microbiological and entomological decontamination aspects were assessed as well as the sensory quality and compositional properties of the product in terms of essential oil, total polyphenol and ascorbic acid contents, and antioxidant capacity. The most interesting results concerned EW treatment (400 ppm × 1 min dipping) reducing aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, moulds and yeasts of about 4.0, 2.5, 2.0 and 1.0 Log cfu/g, respectively, thus below law limits. Moreover, 200 ppm EW x 1 min dipping was enough for limiting Bacillus cereus growth. However, sanitization against the beetle species Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne was less efficient with EW (less than 40% mortality) compared with GO (200,000 ppm × min) (more than 95% mortality). Noteworthy, sensory analysis highlighted that lemon balm exposed to EW treatment did not lose organoleptic quality, in particular the color even seemed to improve in brightness when the herbs were subsequently cold dried. Furthermore, the loss in essential oils was not significant in terms of the overall content as well as total polyphenol, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacity in EW treated lemon balm then submitted to cold drying. Differently, the combination of EW treatment and traditional drying led to a significant detriment of compositional properties. The results obtained in this study are encouraging and deserve to be discussed with producers.

Kajian Entomologi dalam Mendukung Pengendalian Malaria melalui Program Flying Health Care (FHC) di Kabupaten Yahukimo, Provinsi Papua

Flying Health Care is one of the programs of the Ministry of Health to accelerate the elimination of malaria in an integrated manner, especially in the Yahukimo Regency. The purpose of this activity is to describe the role of entomological aspects in malaria control efforts. The data includes cases of malaria, mosquitoes and Anopheles larvae, breeding place, and vector control efforts. Data was collected by observation, survey, and secondary data analysis. The results of the study show that malaria cases rank first out of 10 diseases in health facilities. Malaria cases were more common occurred at the age of 10-19 years, male and near to health facilities. Breeding places in the form of swamps and puddles in the environment around patients with water depths ranging from 5-30 cm. There is no entomological data at the district level or at Puskesmas Aplim. Ongoing vector control efforts are in the form of distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Insecticide mosquito nets have not been fully distributed to the community, this is constrained by the existing infrastructure in health care facilities. Vector control efforts should be supported by the results of entomological surveys and it is important to do socialization on how to use and maintain mosquito nets at the time of mosquito net distribution.

Dwarf White Clover Supports Pollinators, Augments Nitrogen in Clover–Turfgrass Lawns, and Suppresses Root-Feeding Grubs in Monoculture but Not in Mixed Swards

The runoff or leaching of nitrogen fertilizers from monoculture turfgrass lawns contri-butes to water pollution, and such lawns are susceptible to insect pests and provide few resources for pollinators. One approach to creating more sustainable lawns is to incorporate white clover (Trifolium repens L.), a nitrogen-fixing legume, into grass seed mixtures or existing turfgrass swards. “Dutch” white clover (DWC), a ubiquitous landrace, forms non-uniform clumps when intermixed with turfgrasses, thus it is often considered to be a lawn weed. Recently, several dwarf varieties of white clover have been selected for their small leaf size and low growth habit, allowing them to tolerate low mowing heights and blend better with grasses. To date, there have been no studies published on the entomological aspects of dwarf clover in pure stands or intermixed with turfgrass. We established field plots with combinations of DWC, two cultivars of dwarf clover, and tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.) in monoculture or mixed swards, and compared the invertebrate communities therein. Predatory arthropods and earthworm numbers were similar in all plot types. The clover monocultures were resistant to white grubs, but the grub densities in the clover–tall fescue dicultures were similar to those found in the pure tall fescue swards. Dwarf clovers and DWC were similarly attractive to bees and supported similar bee assemblages. The tall fescue foliar N content was elevated 17–27% in the dicultures with clovers.

Insect Affects

With increasing interest in citizen science, this paper discusses how amateur naturalism, especially amateur entomology, is placed within citizen science discourses. Through a case study of amateur entomology in Finland, the paper discusses amateurs' diverse motivations for engaging with nature. The paper discusses especially the affective and ethical aspects of amateur entomology and its implications for citizen science. The discussion is based on an ethnographic study of an entomologist society. The paper suggests that amateur naturalism cannot be reduced to any single definition of citizen science, but amateur entomologists enact different epistemologies as knowledge producers and active citizens. The amateurs are often motivated by an ethical 'first contract' with nature. The rich amateur culture may democratize and 're-enchanting' science, provided the scientist worldview of superior data is not allowed to conceal the diversity of amateur motivations.

Species Composition, Parous Rate, and Infection Rate of Anopheles Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Bahir Dar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia.

Anopheles mosquitoes are the main vectors of malaria. There is little information on the current entomological aspects of Anopheles mosquitoes in Amhara region of northwestern Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevailing species composition, parous rate, and infection rate of Anopheles mosquitoes in the Bahir Dar city administration. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January through July 2020. For this, six Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps (three traps indoor and three traps outdoor) were used to collect adult female Anopheles mosquitoes. The species were morphologically identified, and the parous and infection rates were determined via dissection of ovaries and salivary gland, respectively. A total of 378 adult female Anopheles mosquitoes comprised of three species (Anopheles d'thali, Anopheles rhodesiensis, and Anopheles gambiae complex) were collected and identified at the study sites. Anopheles rhodesiensis was the predominant species accounting for 90% of all collections at the Zenzelima site, followed by An. gambiae complex (6.5%). In contrast, An. gambiae complex was the predominant species at the Tis Abay site, comprising 94% of captures. The overall parous and infection rates were 35 (62.5%) and 1 (2.9%), respectively.

Ecology of phlebotomine sand flies in a Brazilian area with recent leishmaniasis transmission (Itaúna, in Minas Gerais state)

INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis constitutes a serious but neglected tropical disease. Recently, socio-environmental, biological and physical changes have altered the range of leishmaniasis, causing it to spread into urban areas. In Minas Gerais, the disease is endemic, exhibiting regional differences and reaching urban centers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate entomological aspects related to the ecoepidemiology of leishmaniasis in Itaúna. METHODS: Monthly catches with HP traps were carried out from June 2017 to May 2018, in three ecological areas (urban, rural, and forest). The adaptability of the species to anthropic environments was assessed using the synanthropy index (SI). RESULTS: We collected 1306 specimens of phlebotomine sand flies. Of the species of medical importance, Lutzomyia longipalpis, the vector of Leishmania infantum, represented 90.4% of the specimens identified at species level (n=1260). Nyssomyia whitmani, the vector of Leishmania braziliensis, represented 1.6% of the total. Lu. longipalpis displayed an SI of +95.8, a value that denotes a marked preference for human environments. For Ny. whitmani, the SI was -25, expressing the tendency of this species to occupy uninhabited areas. The population of the three most numerous species captured increased with rain, high temperatures, and high relative humidity. Although captured at low numbers, Ny. whitmani showed a different profile concerning the climate variables analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the epidemiology of the disease may assist the health services in formulating effective control measures for improving community health and contributing to the establishment of a dynamic relationship and a global awareness of the health/disease process.

Circulation of Toscana Virus in a Sample Population of Corsica, France.

Sandfly-borne phleboviruses pathogenic to humans, such as Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), are endemic in the Mediterranean region. In France, several autochthonous cases of TOSV infection have been described, causing either meningitis or encephalitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of TOSV and SFSV antibodies in a healthy population from Corsica. In this cross-sectional study, participants were enrolled (i) from a medical staff at the University of Corsica and (ii) from general practitioners of the Corsican Sentinelles Network. The seroprevalence study was based on a virus microneutralization assay. A total of 240 sera were tested. Altogether, 54 sera (22.5%) were confirmed positive for TOSV antibodies, whereas none were positive for SFSV (0/240). The residential district of participants was significantly associated with TOSV seropositivity (p value = 0.005). The rate of the seropositivity against TOSV in our study suggests that the Corsican population is well exposed to the TOSV. These results encourage the implementation of a systematic surveillance system including entomological, microbiological, and medical aspects for the collection of better information on the diseases that are associated with phleboviruses in Corsica and beyond in the regions where these viruses are present.

Medico-Legal Forensic Entomology “Use of Insects in Death Investigations”- A Review

The present paper reviews the different aspects of forensic entomology (definition, history, carrion’s decomposition stages, and their associated insects/arthropods, utility in solving crimes, methods of collecting entomological evidence at death site and situation in Egypt). These are important information for interesting people and officials who are willing to make use of such aspect as a helping tool to solve crimes.

Francisco Campos-Rivadeneira and Roberto Levi- Castillo: Their lives and contributions to the study of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Ecuador.

The study of mosquitoes is important in the prevention of vector-borne diseases. In Ecuador, the study of local mosquito biodiversity was pioneered by two entomologists whose contributions span through the first half of the 20th century, Francisco Campos-Rivadeneira and Roberto Levi-Castillo. Both of them contributed to general aspects of Entomology and to particular insights in mosquito taxonomy. Their publications and discoveries were recognized by the international scientific community but went unnoticed in South America during their time. Today, very few citizens remember the names and contributions of these two scientists. Here, we provide an overview of their lives, a summary of their contributions, and we conclude with a broader outlook on the practice of science in Latin America during their time.

Prevalence of human and non-human primate Plasmodium parasites in anopheline mosquitoes: a cross-sectional epidemiological study in Southern Vietnam

BackgroundHuman malaria is a major threat in rural communities of central Vietnam. Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus species are critical malaria vectors in Vietnam, which transmit Plasmodium parasites. However, the entomological aspects of malaria transmission in some of the central provinces of Vietnam remain unexplored. Hence, a cross-sectional entomological survey was carried out to identify the malaria vector species and the transmission of Plasmodium parasites in seven endemic provinces of Vietnam.MethodsMosquitoes were collected from seven provinces, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Dong Nai, and Binh Phuoc. The collection was conducted for four to eight consecutive nights using three established methods, indoor and outdoor human landing catches and light trap method. Nested-PCR analysis was performed to detect the Plasmodium species in the separated thorax and the abdomen of the individual mosquitoes.ResultsA total of 2278 mosquitoes belonging to one of the four species of anopheline mosquitoes, An. dirus, An. maculatus, An. aconitus, and An. minimus were collected. Among the collected mosquitoes, 1398 were analysed using nested-PCR, of which, 40 mosquitoes were positive for Plasmodium parasites. Most of these parasites were detected in the samples from the thorax region, followed by the abdominal portion. The parasites were detected in both the thorax and abdomen of An. dirus. Seven species of Plasmodium parasites were detected during the analysis, of which, Plasmodium inui was the most common species, followed by Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium coatneyi, Plasmodium knowlesi, and Plasmodium fieldi. Out of the 49 positive samples, 12 showed mixed infections. Co-infection of P. inui with human and other non-human primate Plasmodium species was common.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the presence of human and non-human primate Plasmodium infection in An. dirus, a predominant malarial vector. Further, we showed that An. maculatus and An. minimus species also take part in malarial transmission. This might potentially lead to an alarming situation conducive for the emergence of novel zoonotic malaria.