Biodiversity of mosquitoes and as a potential vector of in Hulu Sungai Utara District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, still remains a problem in Indonesia. The primary causative species of this disease are the filarial worms and spp. This study was conducted to identify the diversity of species and behavior of mosquitoes and to determine the mosquitoes that could be potential vectors of filariasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mosquito samples derived from Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU) district in the 2017 multicenter study conducted in Indonesia were used in this cross-sectional study. The diversity of mosquito species was analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Mosquitoes were identified based on their species, and their DNA was isolated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Transcription-insulated isothermal PCR method was used to detect microfilariae/filaria larvae in the mosquitoes.

RESULTS

Biodiversity was found in 14 species of mosquitoes belonging to five genera. The maximum number of mosquitoes was recorded from the species , , , and . infection was detected in at an infectivity rate of 0.3% (n=311).

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of species as a vector of in HSU district, Indonesia. More efficient and accurate studies are required to aid in the lymphatic filariasis elimination programs in this subregion.