Sibling species composition and feeding pattern of malaria vectors in indoor-sprayed and non-sprayed districts of Lira and Kole, northern Uganda

Results
The indoor residual densities (IRD) of anopheles populations in non-IRS sprayed district of Kole did not differ significantly from residual sprayed district of Lira (Man-Whitney U-test, U = 7.0, P = 0.400, N = 6). However, Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) dominated the vector population (43.1%, 44/102) in the non-IRS district, followed by An. funestus (30.4%, 31/102) and Anopheles arabiensis (26.5%, 27/102). In the IRS district, Anopheles funestus was the predominant species (52.3%, 23/44), followed by An. gambiae s.s. (34.1%, 15/44) and An. arabiensis (13.61%, 6/44). In IRS district, An. funestus and An. gambiae s.s. had an indoor biting peak of 03:00–04:00 h and outdoors from 21:00–1:00 h.

Conclusion
The findings have important implications for malaria control interventions in areas where IRS is actively used for vector control. However, more longitudinal, ecological, and genetic studies are needed to better understand the entomological impact of indoor residual spraying in northern Uganda.