Korean J Parasitol.  2011 Mar;49(1):59-64. 10.3347/kjp.2011.49.1.59.

Seasonal Prevalence of Mosquitoes, Including Vectors of Brugian Filariasis, in Southern Islands of the Republic of Korea

• Cheun HI
• Cho SH
• Lee HI
• Shin EH
• Lee JS
• Kim TS
• Lee WJ

• KMID: 1715634
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2011.49.1.59

Abstract

A survey of mosquitoes, including the vector status of Brugia malayi filariasis and their relative larval density, was conducted from 2002 to 2005 at several southern remote islands of Jeollanam-do (province), Gyeongsangnam-do, and Jeju-do, Korea, where filariasis was previously endemic. Overall, a total of 9 species belonging to 7 genera were collected. Ochlerotatus togoi (formerly known as Aedes togoi), Anopheles (Hyrcanus) group, and Culex pipiens were the predominant species captured at all areas. Oc. togoi larvae were most frequently collected at salinity levels <0.5% during June and July, with densities decreasing sharply during the rainy season in August. The most likely explanation for the eradication of filariasis in these areas is suggested to be an aggressive treatment program executed during the 1970s and the 1990s. However, high prevalence of the vector mosquitoes may constitute a potential risk for reemerging of brugian filariasis in these areas.

Keyword

Ochlerotatus togoi (=Aedes togoi); Anopheles (Hyrcanus) group; vector; brugian filariasis; southern islands

MeSH Terms

Animals
Brugia malayi/parasitology
Culicidae/*classification/growth & development/parasitology
Humans
Insect Vectors/*classification/growth & development/parasitology
Population Density
Prevalence
Republic of Korea
Seasons