Programme Aménagement et Suivi des Ecosystèmes, Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA, CNRST), Direction Régionale de Recherche Environnementale et Agricole de l’Ouest, 01 BP 910, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
Malaria remains a major public health issue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with limited entomological data on mosquito species composition in some regions. This study investigates the mosquito species composition in Tushunguti, Kalehe Territory, with a particular focus on Anopheles funestus s.s. and Anopheles gambiae s.s. Adult mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps and pyrethrum spray catches. Morphological identification was supplemented by molecular techniques (PCR) to confirm species identities. A total of 245 mosquitoes were collected, with Culex species being the most abundant (n=150), followed by Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae. Molecular analysis identified 49 Anopheles funestus s.s. and 20 Anopheles gambiae s.s. specimens. The human biting rate (HBR) for An. funestus was significantly higher (0.071 bites/person/night) compared to An. gambiae (0.028). These results suggest that An. funestus plays a dominant role in malaria transmission in the area, particularly in indoor environments. The co-occurrence of both species underlines the need for targeted vector control strategies that address species-specific behavior and distribution. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous entomological surveillance to adapt malaria interventions based on local vector dynamics.