An Analysis of some Factors Determining the Sporozoite Rates, Human Blood Indexes, and Biting Rates of Members of the Anopheles punctulatus Complex in Papua New Guinea

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Abstract
The degree to which Anopheles punctulatus complex members feed on humans in different Papua New Guinea villages has a significant effect on sporozoite rates. Among villages, the human blood index (HBI) of the members of the complex varied with the average number of persons sharing a bednet. Although dogs are the preferred hosts by the 3 malaria vector species, the number of dogs did not significantly affect the HBI. The HBI was dependent upon the human-biting rate, implying increased avoidance of anophelines by people relative to other hosts at times of greater mosquito numbers. Human-biting rates and HBIs were also influenced by the distribution of alternative hosts relative to people.