Malaria Vectors and Species Complexes in Thailand: Implications for Vector Control

Abstract

There are seven Anopheles species incriminated as important (primary) malaria vectors in Thailand. These vectors belong to species complexes or are in closely related groups that are difficult to separate morphologically. Precise species identification, using molecular methods, enables control operations to target only important vectors and to increase understanding of their specific ecological requirements, bionomic characteristics, and behavioral traits. This review focuses on adult mosquito behavior, vector transmission capacity, and geographical distribution of malaria vectors in Thailand identified using genetic and molecular identification methods between 1994 and 2019. A better understanding of Anopheles biodiversity, biology, behavior, vector capacity, and distribution in Thailand and neighboring countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) will facilitate more effective and efficient vector-control strategies and consequently contribute to a further decrease in the malaria burden.

Keywords: Anopheles; geographical distribution; malaria transmission; mosquito behavior; species identification; vector capacity.