Anopheles
Anopheles
Anopheles (/əˈnɒfɪliːz/) is a genus of mosquito first described and named by J. W. Meigen in 1818. About 460 species are recognised; 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 (to humans) – Plasmodium falciparum.
Etymology
The name comes from the Greek αν, an, meaning "not", and όφελος, óphelos, meaning "profit", translated as "useless". It was first used in the scientific literature in 1818 by German entomologist Johann Wilhelm Meigen, who named it Anopheles based on its perceived uselessness.
Related Terms
- Malaria: A disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
- Plasmodium: A genus of parasitic protozoa, many of which cause malaria in their hosts.
- Endemic: The constant presence of diseases or infectious agents within a given geographic area or population group.
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense.
Pronunciation
The pronunciation of Anopheles is /əˈnɒfɪliːz/.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anopheles
- Wikipedia's article - Anopheles
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