Interaction of predatory macroinvertebrate communities with malaria vectors in aquatic habitats of three climatic zones in Burkina Faso

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Résumé

Background In aquatic larval habitats, Anopheles larvae are subject to the predatory activity and competition
of macroinvertebrates. These macroinvertebrates may play a key role in the Anopheles population’s bioregulation
in aquatic habitats and malaria control. There are few studies characterizing macroinvertebrate predators and other
macroinvertebrates coexisting with Anopheles larvae in Burkina Faso. This study aimed at characterizing and evaluating the different interactions between anopheline mosquito larvae, predatory macroinvertebrates, and other co-habitants in aquatic habitats in the three climatic zones of Burkina Faso.
Methods A larval survey was performed in the three climatic zones of Burkina Faso (Sahelian, Soudano-Sahelian,
and Soudanian zones) from September to November 2022. Mosquito larvae and other macroinvertebrates were
sampled using standard dippers or bucket, preserved in Falcon tubes containing 80% ethanol, and transported
to the laboratory for morphological identification. Alpha diversity analysis was used to measure macroinvertebrate
diversity according to climatic zones and correlation matrix analysis was performed to determine the different interactions between Anopheles and other macroinvertebrates in breeding sites.
Results In the studied larval habitats, Anopheles were found with several aquatic macroinvertebrate predators
and other cohabiting macroinvertebrates. The abundance and alpha diversity indices of macroinvertebrate predators
and other coexisting macroinvertebrates varied significantly according to climatic zone (P = 0.01). Correlation analyses
showed that in the Sahelian zone, Anopheles spp., Corixidae, and Notonectidae shared the same aquatic habitats. In
the Soudano-Sahelian zone, Anopheles spp. occupied the same larval habitats with Belostomatidae, Notonectidae,
and Achatinidae, and in the Soudanian zone, their presence in larval habitats was correlated with that of Beatidae.
Conclusions This study showed a significant trophic association between Anopheles and predatory and other
coexisting macroinvertebrates in larval habitats in Burkina Faso. Our study provides insights and thereby opens new
avenues in terms of development of biological control against larvae of Anopheles populations in Burkina Faso.

Mots-clés

Anopheles larvae, Predation, Macroinvertebrates, Competition, Climatic zones, Burkina Faso