Abstract
BackgroundThe frequency and intensity of arboviral epidemics is steadily increasing and posing an intractable public health burden. Current vector control methods are proving ineffectual and despite progress in the development of high technology approaches, there is an urgent need for the development of tools for immediate implementation. Several studies suggest that the auto-dissemination of pyriproxyfen (PPF) is a promising new approach to larviciding although there is little detail on the conditions under which it is optimally effective. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of the approach in urban and rural sites in Madeira, Portugal.ResultsAuto-dissemination of PPF through adapted Biogents Sentinel traps (BGSTs) resulted in a modest but consistent impact on both juvenile and adult mosquito populations, but with considerable spatial heterogeneity. This heterogeneity was related to the distance from the BGST dissemination station as well as the local density of adult mosquitoes. There was evidence that the impact of PPF was cumulative over time both locally and with gradual spatial expansion.ConclusionsThe density of adult mosquitoes and the spatial distribution of dissemination devices are key factors in mediating efficacy. In addition, urban topography may affect the efficiency of auto-dissemination by impeding adult mosquito dispersal. Further studies in a range of urban landscapes are necessary to guide optimal strategies for the implementation of this potentially efficacious and cost-effective approach to larviciding.
Highlights
The frequency and intensity of arboviral epidemics is steadily increasing and posing an intractable public health burden
Evaluation of the adapted Biogents Sentinel traps (BGST) as dissemination stations Of the 50 mosquitoes released in the room, 42 mosquitoes (25 females and 17 males) were recaptured
By exposure to UV light, it was confirmed that all 42 mosquitoes were marked with fluorescent dust (Fig. 1) and had visited the BGST, become contaminated with powder and been released
Summary
The frequency and intensity of arboviral epidemics is steadily increasing and posing an intractable public health burden. Mosquito-borne infections are a major public health burden. The burden of arboviral disease is higher than the combined impact. The management of these diseases in urban settings is difficult as human populations and their associated mosquito habitats have created environments that are almost impossible to treat with traditional insecticidal interventions. The major urban vector of arboviruses, is superbly adapted to man-made environments, transmitting dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Uncontrolled, unplanned towns and cities and the detritus of our “throw-away” society form an Seixas et al Parasites Vectors (2019) 12:202 optimal transmission environment and a major challenge to arbovirus management. The increasing frequency and amplitude of arboviral epidemics even in Europe bears testament to the scale of the threat [3,4,5]
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