Biting indoor cycle of Anopheles gambiae s.s. and malaria transmission in the Bouake area (Cote d'Ivoire). Its importance in the use of impregnated bednet.

The biting indoor cycle of Anopheles gambiae s.s. was studied in a rural zo ne near Bouake from 6pm to 6am. The cycle was characterized by a peak betwe en midnight and 1am (n = 19 181). The parturity rate of biting females regu larly increased from 6pm until 3am, then remained at a high level up to 6am (n = 14 239). Infected bites were observed from 7pm to 6am with a maximum between 0 and 3am, and 96.7% of them were obtained between 11pm and 4am (n = 219). It appears that malaria transmission occurs essentially at the mome nt when villagers are in bed. The correct use of impregnated bed nets may t hus greatly reduce malaria transmission.