Genetic variation in olfactory pathways associated with host-seeking behavior in natural populations of Anopheles minimus, a primary malaria vector in western Thailand.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Malaria transmission hinges on infected Anopheles mosquitoes biting humans, with carbon dioxide (CO₂), host odor, and body heat acting as key attractants. Along the Thai-Myanmar border, Anopheles minimus (the Funestus Group), a primary malaria vector, exhibits a stronger preference for human hosts than species of the Maculatus Group. Elucidating the genetic basis of this feeding behavior is essential for improving malaria control strategies.

Methods

Wild Anopheles mosquitoes were collected in Tha Song Yang district, Tak province, Thailand, from July 2019 to November 2020, using cow-baited traps, human landing catches, and Center for Disease Control (CDC) light traps. Specimens were identified morphologically and confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the cyt

SUBMITTER: Pusawang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12462203 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature