Abstract
BackgroundThere is a paucity of recent data and knowledge on mosquito diversity and potential vectors of arboviruses in South Africa, with most of the available data dating back to the 1950s–1970s. Aedes and Culex species are the major vectors of some of the principal arboviruses which have emerged and re-emerged in the past few decades.MethodsIn this study we used entomological surveillance in selected areas in the north-eastern parts of South Africa from 2014 to 2018 to assess mosquito diversity, with special emphasis on the Aedes species. The impact of trap types and environmental conditions was also investigated. Identification of the blood meal sources of engorged females collected during the study period was carried out, and DNA barcodes were generated for selected species.ResultsOverall, 18.5% of the total Culicidae mosquitoes collected belonged to the genus Aedes, with 14 species recognised or suspected vectors of arboviruses. Species belonging to the Neomelaniconion subgenus were commonly collected in the Bushveld savanna at conservation areas, especially Aedes mcintoshi and Aedes circumluteolus. Aedes aegypti was present in all sites, albeit in low numbers. Temperature was a limiting factor for the Aedes population, and they were almost exclusively collected at temperatures between 18 °C and 27 °C. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) barcode fragment was amplified for 21 Aedes species, and for nine of these species it was the first sequence information uploaded on GenBank.ConclusionThis study provides a better understanding of the diversity and relative abundance of Aedes species in the north-east of South Africa. The information provided here will contribute to future arboviral research and implementation of efficient vector control and prevention strategies.Graphical abstract
Highlights
There is a paucity of recent data and knowledge on mosquito diversity and potential vectors of arboviruses in South Africa, with most of the available data dating back to the 1950s–1970s
I (COI) barcode fragment was amplified for 21 Aedes species, and for nine of these species it was the first sequence information uploaded on GenBank
There is a paucity of information on Aedes species ecology across southern Africa
Summary
There is a paucity of recent data and knowledge on mosquito diversity and potential vectors of arboviruses in South Africa, with most of the available data dating back to the 1950s–1970s. Vector-borne diseases are being reported with greater frequency due to the global movement of humans, animals, and goods, in combination with climate change [3] and the impact of land use and urbanisation [4]; this is especially evident with respect to Aedes-related arboviruses. Information such as the distribution, abundance, and seasonality of vectors, combined with an understanding of their relationship with the mmons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The feeding behaviour is affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors [6], and host selection by mosquitoes can be opportunistic and affected by the presence and/or abundance of the various vertebrate species [7]
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