Anopheles

Anopheles Greek for 'good-for-nothing' is a genus of mosquito.Meigen J.W. 1818. Systematische Beschreibung der Bekannten Europäischen Zweiflügeligen Insekten, vol 1. Forstmann, Aachen. 

There about 460 species, and over 100 can transmit human malaria. Only 30–40 commonly transmit parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which causes human malaria in endemic areas. Anopheles gambiae is one of the best known, because it transmits the most dangerous malarial parasite species (to humans) – Plasmodium falciparum.

Some species of Anopheles are vectors for canine heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, filariasis, and viruses such as one that causes O'nyong'nyong fever.  Brain tumors sometimes occur in malaria sufferers, which suggests that Anopheles might transmit a virus or other agent which could cause a brain tumor.Lehrer, Steven 2010. Anopheles mosquito transmission of brain tumor. Medical Hypotheses 74 (1): 167–168. 

Mosquitoes in other genera (Aedes, Culex, Culiseta, Haemagogus and Ochlerotatus) can also be vectors of disease agents, but not malaria.

 Related pages 
Malaria
Plasmodium

 References 

Category:Flies
Category:Parasites