Anopheles
Anopheles is a genus of mosquitoes whose females feed on blood; some species transmit malaria parasites to humans.
Plasmodium: A genus of parasitic protists that includes the organisms causing malaria. Anopheles mosquitoes transmit Plasmodium parasites during blood feeding.
Culicidae: The family of insects commonly known as mosquitoes. Anopheles belongs to this family, alongside Aedes and Culex.
Anopheles gambiae: A species complex of African mosquitoes that includes major malaria vectors. Its members are among the most efficient transmitters of human malaria.
Insecticide-treated net: A bed net treated with insecticide to kill or repel mosquitoes and reduce bites. Nets target Anopheles mosquitoes that seek human hosts indoors at night.
Sporozoite: A motile, infectious stage of certain protozoan parasites, including Plasmodium. Sporozoites develop in the mosquito and enter a person through its bite.
Insect: An arthropod with a three-part body, three pairs of legs, and usually wings. Anopheles mosquitoes share the defining body plan of insects.
Anopheles stephensi: An Asian malaria-vector mosquito that has spread into parts of Africa. Its urban breeding habits distinguish it from many established African vectors.
Indoor residual spraying: The application of long-lasting insecticide to indoor surfaces where disease vectors rest. Many malaria vectors rest indoors after feeding, making treated walls a control target.
Oocyst: A cyst-like reproductive stage formed by some parasites, including Plasmodium, in a mosquito gut. Plasmodium multiplies inside oocysts on the mosquito's gut wall.
Mosquito life cycle: The development of mosquitoes through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Its aquatic immature stages and flying adults occupy very different habitats.