Abai, MR

6th International Congress of DipterologyHuman blood propensity of Anopheles stephensi the mainmalaria vector of Malaria in coastal and mountainous areasof Bandar Abbas , southern IranHaji-Hosaini, R. (1), H.R. Basseri (2), M. Abtehi (2) & M. Shayeghi (2)(1) Biology Dept, Faculty of Science, Payame Noor University, Lashkarak Rd, MiniCity,Tehran, Iran, 19569(2) Medical Entimology Dept, School of Public Health, Tehran Medical University,Tehran, IranThis study was conducted to investigate hematophagic tendencies of themalaria vector base on a seasonal basis as well as by geographical regionin a two malaria endemic areas situate in north of Persian Gulf, BandarAbbas, Southern Iran. This study was carried out for 12 months from Apr.2003 up to the end of May 2004. Female anophelines were collected fromindoor and outdoor shelters in hilly and plain regions of Baddar Abbasdistrict and their blood meal was tested using ELISA test methods. Inmountainous area, An. stephensi was active during whole year exceptwinter and reached a peak in December. In contrast in flat regions An.stephensi showed strongly endophilic behavior with two seasonal activitypeaks. The anthropophilic index An. stephensi was estimated at 48% inhilly area where residents sleep outside during transmission season whilethe anthropophily index was 28% in plan area. In the study area, the mostmalaria cases occurred in the hilly area and it seems that An. stephensi wasresponsible for transmission of malaria in hilly and coastal. However,malaria transmission in this study area is much influenced by resident’srest habits. Thus, adapting people to use personal protection such as a bednet instead of residual spraying may be considered as an effective measurein malaria control in both regions.Key Words: anthropophily, Anopheles, seasonal activity, geographicalregion, malaria93