Susceptibility of Anopheles culicifacies species A and B to Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum as determined by immunoradiometric assay.

We have used a two-site immunoradiometric assay and species-specific antisporozoite monoclonal antibodies to determine the relative roles that sibling species A and B of the Anopheles culicifacies complex play in malaria transmission in western Uttar Pradesh, India. The results unequivocally establish species A as the primary vector of both Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum in this area. Our results indicate active transmission of P. vivax from May to October and of P. falciparum from August to December. The identification of species A as the primary malaria vector in northern India will now allow suitable malaria control strategies to be designed.