Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for systematic review

Studies which used blood meal analysis (PCR, ELISA or precipitin tests) to report the HBI

Semi field studies, studies using baited traps or choice experiments to investigate host preference

Studies performed in sub-Saharan Africa

Entomological studies not specifically reporting the HBI

Studies reporting the HBI for individual mosquito species

Studies not reporting total number of mosquitoes caught

Reporting HBI for Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus complex or Anopheles arabiensis mosquito species

Data points based on less than 50 blood-fed mosquitoes in total for target species

Studies reporting trapping methodology including location of traps (indoors or outdoors)