Identification and characterisation of mosquitoes from different locations in Qatar in 2017-2019.

Elmoubasher Abu Baker Abd Farag,Hamad Al-Romaihi,Devendra Bansal,Ali A Sultan,Khaled Mardini,Mohammed Hamad J Al-Thani,Salih Ali Al-Marri,Mohammed Al-Hajri,Francis Schaffner

doi:10.1051/parasite/2021079

Abstract

Mosquito-borne infections have considerable consequences for public health. The mere presence of a single case of vector-borne disease (VBD) introduces a risk to the local community particularly when associated with the compatible vector, host, and suitable environmental factors. Presently, there is no well-established vector control and surveillance programme in Qatar; therefore, the likelihood of VBDs spreading is undetermined. As a result, there is a pressing need to address this gap and enable successful management of VBDs. This study presents the results of three consecutive field surveys conducted between 2017 and 2019 with the aim of defining the types and distribution of mosquitoes that are of public health importance in Qatar. The results of the adult mosquito trappings show that the southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus is the most widespread and abundant mosquito species, followed by Cx. perexiguus, both species representing a risk of West Nile virus transmission. All sampling methods show that the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi is widespread including in urbanised areas, suggesting a risk of local malaria transmission. The wetland mosquito Aedes caspius is also widespread, representing a risk of Rift Valley fever virus transmission. The dengue vector Ae. aegypti was not detected and can be considered neither widespread nor abundant, suggesting a minimal risk for local transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Interestingly, the study detected Culiseta longiareolata for the first time in Qatar. Regular field studies are needed to further address the knowledge gaps in terms of distribution, ecology, and biting habits of different mosquito species currently present in Qatar to accurately assess the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Highlights

In recent years, the importance of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) has increased at the global and regional levels [29]
Accurate and up-to-date data about the presence and distribution of various vector species are needed by public health authorities to assess the potential threat and devise effective counter strategies for VBDs
One or more species of mosquitoes were found at every inspected location, with the southern house mosquito species Cx. quinquefasciatus showing the widest geographical distribution

Summary

Introduction

The importance of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) has increased at the global and regional levels [29]. In non-endemic countries such as Qatar, the very first and crucial step in the prevention and control of VBDs requires the identification and appraisal of potential vector populations followed by mapping of the human and animal populations at-risk of acquiring (and transmitting) the pathogen. Analysis of the situation revealed a significant knowledge gap regarding the presence and distribution of mosquito species in different parts of the country, including rural-urban distribution. To address this issue, it was recommended to further strengthen Qatar’s technical capacity in the field of entomology, and in particular with emphasis on developing competencies toward vectors identification and surveillance. Several field surveys were organised to assess the presence of key species of mosquitoes in different regions of Qatar, together with capacity-building activities

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion