Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Native Larvivorous Fish in an Endemic Malarious Area of Southern Iran, a Biological Alternative Factor for Chemical Larvicides in Malaria Control Program



Shahi M1 ; Kamrani E2 ; Salehi M3 ; Habibi R3 ; Hanafibojd AA4
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
  2. 2. Dept. of Marine Biology, Hormozgan University, Bandar Abbas, Iran
  3. 3. Dept. of Diseases Control, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
  4. 4. Dept. of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Iranian Journal of Public Health Published:2015

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of chemical insecticides, resistance in vectors and environmental problems, all have led to an increased interest in the use of biological agents in malaria control programs. The most important functional elements are the native fish. The aim of this study was to identify the native species of lavivorous fish in Rudan County, southern Iran, to introduce an effective species and to propose its’ implementation in the national malaria control program. Methods: T his ecologically descriptive study was conducted during 2011–2012 using random sampling from different fish habitats of Rudan County. The shoals of fish were caught using fishing net. Fish samples were then identified in the Ichthyology lab, Department of Fisheries and the Environment, Hormozgan University. Results: Three species of larvivorous fish were identified as follows:Gambusia holbrooki, Aphaniusdispar disparandAphaniussp. The latter species has the most distribution in the study area and needs more morphological and molecular studies for identification at the species level. Conclusion: Two species of native fish, i.e.,A. disparandA.sp. with larvivorous potential live in the area. Further studies on their predatory property are recommended in order to apply this local potential against malaria vectors in the area. © 2015, Iranian Journal of Public Health. All Rights reserved.