Anopheles sp. mosquito photomicrograph
Anopheles, is a genus of mosquito. There are approximately 460 recognised species: while over 100 can transmit human malaria, only 30-40 commonly transmit parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which cause malaria in humans in endemic areas. Anopheles gambiae is one of the best known, because of its predominant role in the transmission of the most dangerous malaria parasite species - Plasmodium falciparum. The name comes from the Greek αν an meaning not and ωφελής óphelos meaning profit and translates to useless Some species of Anopheles also can serve as the vectors for canine heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, the Filariidae Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi, and viruses such as one that causes O'nyong'nyong fever. There is an association of brain tumor incidence and malaria, suggesting that the anopheles might transmit a virus or other agent that could cause a brain in other genera (Aedes, Culex) can also serve as vectors of disease agents.
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Photo credit: © Scenics & Science / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: anopheles, falciparum, malaria, mosquito, parasite, photomicrograph, plasmodium, sp., tropical
