Mosquito Species Composition Research Articles

Characterization of Culicoides and mosquito fauna at the National Zoological Garden of Rabat, Morocco

Zoos are considering to be essential places for the conservation of wild animal species. It is essential to prevent their infection by pathogens especially for those belonging to threatened or extinct species. Zoo captive animals are susceptible to several Culicoides and mosquito borne-viruses. In order to further evaluate the risk of pathogen transmission in zoos, it is essential to identify the presence of potential vector species, as well as the animals bitten by those vectors.For this purpose, Culicoides and mosquito species composition was investigated in ten sites from March to June 2021 for Culicoides (18 collection nights) and in four sites from April to June 2022 for mosquitoes (16 collection nights) at the National Zoological Garden of Rabat (ZGR), Morocco. Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were collected using Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute traps (UV-light/suction traps (OVI type)), every two weeks. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were collected using BG-Pro mosquito trap (BGP) combined with a CO2 source as an attractant, on two consecutive days every two weeks. The blood meal of engorged Culicoides was amplified by PCR, sequenced, and blasted for host species identification.In total, 1584 individuals belonging to the Culicoides genus were collected (88.25 % females and 11.75 % males) belonging to at least 13 different species. Among the species collected, Culicoides newsteadi (33.28 %), C. imicola (23.74 %), C. circumscriptus (18.88 %) and C. obsoletus/C. scoticus (7.96 %) constituted the majority of the total catches. These species are proven or suspected vector species of bluetongue and African hose sickness viruses in the Mediterranean basin. For mosquitoes, 455 individuals belonging to four species of three genera were collected (97.58 % females and 2.42 % males): Culex pipiens s.l. (94.29 %) (vector species of West Nile and Rift Valley fever viruses), Culiseta longiareolata (4.81 %), Aedes detritus s.l. and Ae. caspius (representing together less than 1.00 %). The results of blood meal analyses revealed that Culicoides fed on humans (n = 7), camels (n = 2), and common eland (n = 2).The composition of Culicoides and mosquito fauna is characteristic of the Rabat region. The composition is thus mostly determined by the environment rather than by the animal species presence. The results highlighted that Culicoides fed on humans and ruminants. It is therefore likely that the zoo's animals could be threatened by arboviruses transmitted by domestic animals in the region. Particular attention must be paid to the prevention of vector-borne diseases to ensure the proper conservation of species.

MOSQUITO SPECIES DISTRIBUTION IN TIRES IN RURAL AND URBAN LANDSCAPES ACROSS NORTHERN KENTUCKY.

Discarded vehicle tires can be found in habitats spanning a human land-use gradient from rural to urban and create an ideal artificial container habitat for mosquito larval development. The purpose of this study was to examine mosquito species composition in discarded vehicle tires in rural and urban habitats. Discarded tires were placed at 6 rural and 6 urban forested sites and sampled weekly for juvenile mosquitoes. Adult traps were also placed at these sites and were sampled weekly. There was no significant difference between the total number of juvenile mosquitoes collected from tires in urban sites compared to rural sites, but significantly more Aedes triseriatus and Ae. albopictus juveniles were found in urban sites compared to rural sites. This study also found that significantly more adult mosquitoes were collected in urban sites compared to rural, but there were no significant differences found between sites when comparing individual species. The results of this study suggest discarded vehicle tires are important mosquito larval habitats across human-land-use gradients and that Ae. triseriatus may be more common in urban areas than previously thought.

Landscape and climatic factors shaping mosquito abundance and species composition in southern Spain: A machine learning approach to the study of vector ecology

Vector-borne diseases pose significant challenges to public health, with mosquitoes acting as crucial vectors for pathogens globally. This study explores the interaction between environmental and climate factors, investigating their influence on the abundance and species composition of mosquitoes in southwestern Spain, a region endemic to several mosquito-borne diseases.Using comprehensive field data from 2020, we analysed mosquito abundance and species richness alongside remote sensing variables and modeling techniques, including the machine learning Random Forest. We collected 5859 female mosquitoes representing 13 species. Non-linear correlations were observed between mosquito abundance and climatic variables, notably temperature and rainfall. Extremely high temperatures correlated with a decrease in mosquito abundance, while accumulated rainfall in the three weeks preceding sampling positively impacted mosquito abundance by providing breeding habitats. A positive correlation between Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and mosquito metrics was also found, aligning with prior studies highlighting vegetation's role shaping mosquito habitats. Interestingly, a negative relationship was observed between mosquito species richness and autumn NDVI. Additionally, wind speed negatively affected mosquito species richness.This research provides valuable insights into the ecological determinants of mosquito abundance and species composition in a Mediterranean climate. These findings are crucial for understanding disease transmission dynamics and improving vector control strategies. By integrating climatic characteristics into public health interventions, management measures can become more targeted and efficient, especially during periods of heightened temperature.

Mosquito Species Composition in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt The resting densities, biting rates, and indoor mosquito populations in Nasarawa LGA were assessed. Prokopack aspirator is applied for morning mosquito collection and the dissecting microscope for identification of species-specific attributes. The results highlight critical areas for targeted vector control to mitigate malaria transmission in the region. Full Abstract Numerous mosquito species are capable of carrying various tropical diseases. This study ascertained the composition of mosquitoes in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were collected between 0600 and 0900 hours in the morning using a battery-operated Prokopack aspirator. The mosquitoes were then placed in a petri dish with proper labelling and taken to a laboratory for identification and dissection. Using a dissecting microscope and identification key, mosquitoes were sorted and morphologically classified according to their morphological features. The mosquito midgut was dissected to check for sporozoites infectivity. The man-biting rate (MBR) and indoor resting density (IRD) were computed. A total of 314 adult mosquitoes, spanning four species and belonging to the Anopheline and Culicine mosquito groups, were found to be resting indoors with An. gambiae representing 39.2% of the total composition. A significant difference in mosquito abundance (χ2= 58.866, df = 3, P=0.001) was observed between the four species that were reported. There is no discernible variation in the mosquito composition in the research region (χ2= 4.861, df = 2, P = 0.088). A statistically significant variance in sex was noted (χ2=285.235, df = 2, P = 0.000). The biting rate was recorded at 2.6 bites per person per night, and an indoor resting density of 5.23 mosquitoes per room per night was recorded. There was a noteworthy distinction in the abdomen condition of the mosquitoes (χ2 = 45.564, df = 3, p < 0.001). Mosquito species abundance in October was 200 (63.7%), compared to 114 (36.3) in September. Nonetheless, a noteworthy distinction was observed in the abundance of mosquito species throughout the research months (χ2= 7.5076, df = 1, P-value = 0.006). Based on the study's findings that provided insight into the species composition of the mosquito population in the study area, it is recommended to remove possible breeding grounds, promote the use of insecticide-treated nets, and prioritize interrupting vector-human contact as a means of halting the spread of malaria parasites.

Effects of Hurricane Irma on mosquito abundance and species composition in a metropolitan Gulf coastal city, 2016–2018

Mosquitoes are the most common disease vectors worldwide. In coastal cities, the spread, activity, and longevity of vector mosquitoes are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall, which affect their geographic distribution, biting rates, and lifespan. We examined mosquito abundance and species composition before and after Hurricane Irma in Miami, Dade County, Florida, and identified which mosquito species predominated post-Hurricane Irma. Our results showed that mosquito populations increased post-Hurricane Irma: 7.3 and 8.0 times more mosquitoes were captured in 2017 than at baseline, 2016 and 2018 respectively. Warmer temperatures accelerated larval development, resulting in faster emergence of adult mosquitoes. In BG-Sentinel traps, primary species like Ae. tortills, Cx. nigripalpus, and Cx. quinquefasciatus dominated the post-Hurricane Irma period. Secondary vectors that dominated post-Hurricane Irma include An. atropos, An. crucians, An. quadrimaculatus, Cx. erraticus, and Ps. columbiae. After Hurricane Irma, the surge in mosquito populations in Miami, Florida heightened disease risk. To mitigate and prevent future risks, we must enhance surveillance, raise public awareness, and implement targeted vector control measures.

Bionomics and distribution of malaria vectors in Kisumu city, Western Kenya: Implications for urban malaria transmission.

Increasing urbanization in tropical Africa may create new niches for malaria vectors, potentially leading to higher disease transmission rates. Vector control efforts remain largely targeted at ecologically rural bio-complexities with multiple hosts. Understanding mosquito species composition, ecology, host diversity and biting behavior in urban areas is crucial for planning effective control. This study assessed mosquito species diversity, abundance, behavioral patterns, and Plasmodium sporozoite infection rates of Anopheles vectors along an urban-rural transect in Kisumu city, western Kenya. Indoor and outdoor host-seeking and resting adult mosquitoes were collected using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light traps (CDC-LT) and mechanical aspirators (Prokopack) along an urban-rural transect. Females Anopheles mosquitoes collected were identified using morphological taxonomic keys to species level. Specimens belonging to the Anopheles gambiae complex and Anopheles funestus group were further processed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify members of each complex/group. Subsequently, sporozoite infection rates of the anopheline mosquitoes were determined using a multiplexed real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. A total of 3,394 female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and identified. These comprised of An. gambiae s.l. (68%), An. funestus group (19.8%), An. coustani (7.8%), An. pharoensis (2.6%), An. maculipalipis (1.6%), and An. leesoni(0.2%). All six species were found in urban zone, but only three were found in peri-urban and rural sites. Overall, urban collections accounted for the majority of these collections (55.5%) of mosquitoes collected, followed by those from peri-urban (30%) and rural sites (14.5%). Species distribution across the three ecotypes showed Anopheles arabiensis was the dominant species in urban (84.3%) and peri-urban (89%) sites, while An. gambiae s.s. was predominantly found in the rural zone (60.2%) alongside An. arabiensis (39.7%). Anopheles funestus was the predominant species in peri-urban (98.4%) and rural (85.7%) areas, with An. leesoni accounted for 1.6% and 14.3%, respectively. In urban areas, all samples from the An. funestus group were identified as An. funestus s.s.. Majority (55.5%) of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected indoors, while secondary vectors were primarily caught outdoors. Overall, sporozoite rates were higher outdoors 3.5% compared to indoors 1.45% in rural areas. Specifically, sporozoite infectivity rates for An. funestus, An. gambiae s.s and An. arabiensis collected indoors in the rural zone was 2.5%, 1.4% and 1% respectively. Outdoors in rural areas, An. gambiae had a sporozoite rate of 5.3%, while An. arabiensis had a rate of 2.1%. In peri-urban areas An. gambiae had a sporozoite rate of 2.3%. No sporozoites were detected in samples from urban sites. The study highlights a shift of diversity of Anopheles species towards urban areas with increased outdoor activity, and significant outdoor malaria transmission in rural and peri-urban areas, emphasizing the need for tools targeting outdoor-biting mosquitoes. The presence of An. funestus in urban settings is of interest and highlights the critical importance of sustained entomological surveillance to inform integrated vector control and prevent future transmission risks.

Species Composition and Feeding Behaviors of Vector Mosquitoes of Avian Infectious Diseases at a Wild Bird Rehabilitation Facility in Japan.

Although wild bird rehabilitation facilities are important for the conservation of wild species, individuals may be kept within the facilities for long periods, consequently posing a risk for the bird to be infected with pathogens to which they are not naturally exposed. In turn, novel pathogens may be introduced through rescued migratory species. Avian malaria and West Nile fever are important avian diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. To understand the transmission dynamics of such diseases at rehabilitation facilities, the ecology of vector mosquitoes, including species composition, seasonality, and feeding behaviors, were explored. Mosquitoes were collected at a wild bird rehabilitation facility and wildlife sanctuary in Japan from 2019 to 2020 using mouth aspirators, sweep nets, and light traps. A total of 2,819 mosquitoes of 6 species were captured, all of which are potential vectors of avian diseases. Culex pipiens pallens and Cx. pipiens form molestus were the dominant species (82.9% of all collected mosquitoes). Density and seasonality differed between sampling locations, presumably because of differences in mosquito behaviors including feeding preferences and responses to climatic factors. Blood-fed Culex mosquitoes fed solely on birds, and many mosquito species are thought to have fed on birds within the facility. Particularly, Cx. pipiens group probably fed on both rescued and free-living birds. The rehabilitation facility may be an important site for the introduction and spread of pathogens because 1) numerous mosquitoes inhabit the hospital and its surroundings; 2) blood-fed mosquitoes are caught within the hospital; 3) there is direct contact between birds and mosquitoes; 4) both birds within the hospital and wild birds are fed upon. Furthermore, blood-fed Cx. pipiens form molestus were observed in the winter, suggesting that pathogens might be transmitted even during the winter when other mosquito species are inactive.

Mosquito Species Diversity and Abundance Patterns in Plots with Contrasting Land Use and Land Cover in Bloomington, Indiana.

Land use and land cover (LULC) gradients are associated with differences in mosquito species composition and the entomological risk of mosquito-borne disease. Here, we present results from a season-long study of mosquito species richness and abundance with samples collected at 9 locations from 2 plots with contrasting LULC, an urban farm and a forest preserve, in Bloomington, IN, a city in the midwestern USA. With a total sampling effort of 234 trap-nights, we collected 703 mosquitoes from 9 genera and 21 species. On the farm, we collected 15 species (285 mosquitoes). In the preserve, we collected 19 species (418 mosquitoes). Thirteen species were common in both study plots, 2 were exclusive to the farm, and 6 were exclusive to the forest preserve. In both plots, we collected Aedes albopictus and Ae. japonicus. In the farm, the most common mosquito species were Culex restuans/Cx. pipiens and Coquillettidia perturbans. In the preserve, Ae. japonicus and Ae. triseriatus were the 2 most common mosquito species. Time series analysis suggests that weather factors differentially affected mosquito species richness and mosquito abundance in the plots. Temperature, relative humidity (RH), and precipitation were positively associated with richness and abundance at the farm, while increases in the SD of RH decreased both richness and abundance at the preserve. Our results highlight the importance that LULC has for mosquito species diversity and abundance and confirm the presence of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus in southwestern Indiana.

Mosquito species composition and their relative abundance in Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt

Mosquito species composition and their relative abundance in Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt

Update on the composition and distribution of the mosquito fauna (Diptera: Culicidae) in Cabo Verde, a country at risk for mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquitoes play a critical role as vectors of pathogens affecting both humans and animals. Therefore, understanding their biodiversity and distribution is crucial to developing evidence-based vector control strategies. The current study updated the composition and distribution of mosquito species through a comprehensive survey of all municipalities of Cabo Verde. From October 2017 to September 2018, mosquito larvae and pupae were collected from 814 aquatic habitats. Anopheles gambiae (Giles, 1902) and Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758) complexes were subjected to PCR-based techniques for sibling species identification. Ten mosquito species from 5 genera were identified: Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), Aedes caspius (Pallas, 1771), Anopheles arabiensis (Patton, 1905), Anopheles pretoriensis (Theobald, 1903), Culex bitaeniorhynchus (Giles, 1901), Cx. pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Giles, 1901), Culiseta longiareolata (Macquart, 1838), and Lutzia tigripes (de Grandpre & de Charmoy, 1901). Santiago Island reported the highest number of species (n = 8). Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus were the most widely distributed species across the country. An. arabiensis was the sole species identified within the An. gambiae complex. The findings from our study will help guide health policy decisions to effectively control mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquitoes in urban green spaces and cemeteries in northern Spain

BackgroundMosquitoes inhabiting urban green spaces and cemeteries in Europe represent a crucial facet of public health concern and contribute to the ecological balance. As urbanization intensifies, these areas increasingly serve as vital habitats for various mosquito species, fostering breeding grounds and increasing the risk of disease transmission.MethodsA study was conducted in the three main cities (inland, coastal, and estuarine) of the Basque Country, northern Spain, to investigate the species composition, abundance, dynamic populations, larval habitats, and host preferences of mosquitoes in urban green spaces and cemeteries. CDC traps and dipping were used to collect mosquitoes for 2 years (2019–2020).ResultsA total of 21 mosquito species were identified, with Culex pipiens s.l. being the most abundant and widespread. The three ecological forms of Cx. pipiens were found, and Cx. pipiens pipiens was the most common in both green areas and cemeteries. Morphological identification together with molecular tools identified 65 COI sequences with high homology. The highest species richness was found in the inland city, followed by the coastal city and the estuarine city. Mosquito abundance was significantly higher in green areas compared to cemeteries and in the coastal and estuarine cities compared to the inland city. The investigation of larval breeding sites highlighted the dominance of Cx. pipiens s.l., particularly in semi-artificial ponds, diverse water-holding containers (tyres and buckets) and drainage systems in green areas; in cemeteries, most of the larvae were found in flowerpots and funerary urns. Seasonal activity exhibited variable peaks in mosquito abundance in the different cities, with a notable increase in July or August. Additionally, blood meal analysis revealed that Cx. pipiens s.l. fed on several common urban avian species.ConclusionsStudies on mosquitoes are essential to understand their role in disease transmission and to design targeted and sustainable management strategies to mitigate the associated risks.Graphical

Species composition of larval mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in bamboo stumps in mid-western Nepal

ABSTRACT Bamboo stumps serve as important phytotelmata in which mosquitoes breed. The physiochemical parameters of water in the bamboo stumps influence the species composition and larval abundance of mosquito species. Bamboo stumps were scanned in monsoon season of 2022 by adopting a larval survey method in mid-western Nepal. Supplementary data such as water volume, temperature and pH were also recorded. The linear relationship between different physiochemical parameters with mosquito larval population and larval abundance of different mosquito species was analysed in RStudio-1.0.44 and Past software version 4.07. Altogether, 120 larval mosquitoes belonging to 7 species and 3 genera were recorded from 26 bamboo stumps. The larval abundance of immature mosquito shows positive correlation with water temperature, pH and volume of the water. The coexistence of larvae of dengue vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) and vector of Lymphatic Filariasis (Culex quinquefasciatus) as well the coexistence of different larval mosquito species were recorded. This established bamboo stumps as important mosquito breeding habitats including vector species in mid-western Nepal.

NOVEL TRAP CONFIGURATION FOR LIVE CAPTURE OF MOSQUITOES

Diverse mosquito traps are available for mosquito and arbovirus surveillance. The delicate nature of the mosquito body makes them vulnerable to damage as they pass through the trap's fan, which can lead to rapid desiccation or mortality within the capture chamber. This can negatively affect surveillance accuracy, impacting both the precise identification of mosquitoes and the reliable execution of molecular assays for arbovirus detection. In this study, we report a novel modification to three widely used mosquito traps: CDC light trap, BG-Sentinel trap, and CDC gravid trap, incorporating a mesh funnel and updraft design to address these issues. We compared updraft and downdraft configurations of light traps under field conditions and compared the effectiveness of the modified BG and gravid trap to unaltered counterparts in semi-field environments. Subsequently, we conducted field validation of modified mosquito traps to assess their trapping effectiveness in terms of mosquito abundance and species composition in coastal forest and suburban areas. Our findings revealed that there was no significant difference in trapping effectiveness between different fan configurations. The adaptation made to the BG trap exhibited higher recapture rates of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus in comparison to the unmodified BG-Sentinel trap. The modification of the gravid trap was equivalent to unaltered CDC gravid trap. During our field trial, the modified light traps had a higher collection rate of mosquitoes with a wider spectrum of species diversity than modified BG or gravid traps, regardless of site. The modified BG traps captured more arbovirus vector species (Culex and Aedes species), with an increase in Ae. albopictus (11 times) and Ae. aegypti (1.75 times) when compared to the light traps. The modified gravid traps mostly collected Culex spp., accounting for over 47% of the collected mosquitoes. The results indicate that the novel trap configuration preserves trap functionality and improves specimen quality by avoiding the death and dismemberment of collected mosquitoes.

Seasonal Diversity in Mosquito Larval Ecology and Its Public Health Implications in Urban Slums of Lagos, Nigeria.

Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) are major public health burdens in tropical nations, including Nigeria. This study assessed mosquito larval species composition, abundance, and abiotic factors influencing mosquito breeding in slum communities of Lagos with the goal of informing MBD control measures. Three slum communities-Bariga, Makoko, and Ajegunle-were selected along with the nonslum community of Ikeja, which served as a control site. Larval sampling was done using the standard dipping technique between December 2021 and July 2022 across the dry and wet seasons. Mosquito larvae were raised to adults and identified using morphological keys and molecular assays. A total of 57,753 immature mosquitoes were collected from all study sites, with a significantly (P < 0.05) greater abundance in the dry season than the wet season. The majority (98.1%) of the mosquitoes collected belonged to Culex pipiens s.l., the only species found during the dry season in almost all locations. In the wet season, species identified from all sites combined were Anopheles gambiae ss., Anopheles arabiensis, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Cx. pipiens s.l., and Lutzia tigripes, with Ajegunle having the greatest species diversity (H = 0.593). Among physicochemical parameters measured, only water temperature had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.934, P = 0.020) with larval densities in Ajegunle only. Permanent mosquito-breeding habitats had significantly greater larval densities than temporary habitats within the slum communities. These findings could inform the development of integrated vector control strategies that address the different species of mosquitoes in the fight against MBDs in urban slums.

The results of entomological monitoring West Nile fever on the territory of the Crimean peninsula in the 2022 season

Objective: to evaluate the role of blood-sucking mosquitoes of various species living in the northern and central regions of the Crimean Peninsula in the transmission of West Nile virus (WNV).Materials and methods: the collection of bloodsucking mosquitoes was carried out in 7 administrative units of the Republic of Crimea with automatic traps and a vertical handheld vacuum cleaner from July 1 to August 5, 2022. The species composition of mosquitoes was determined visually using an MSP-1 stereomicroscope (option 22) using standard keys. Detection of WNV RNA in the samples was performed by RT-PCR. Mosquito infection levels and dominance index were calculated.Results: a common eudominant species for urban and rural biotopes of the surveyed areas was determined Ae. caspius, whose dominance index was 72.4% and 31.3%. Mosquitoes of the species Cx. modestus were the most numerous in rural biotopes (dominance index — 48.4%). The invasive species Ae. albopictus in the central part of the Crimean peninsula, which indicates the expansion of its habitat. Of 18.6 thousand mosquitoes of 12 species, merged in 693 samples, WNV RNA was detected in 14 samples (2.02%), 3 isolates of the pathogen were isolated. A high level of WNV infection of mosquitoes in urban biotopes was established, which amounted to 4.12%. WNV circulation was first confirmed in the northern part of Crimea (Krasnoperekopsky district).Conclusion: the epidemiological significance of mosquitoes of various species on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula has been determined. The data on the spread of WNV in the Republic of Crimea were supplemented, taking into account which the estimated zoning of the territory was carried out according to the degree of risk of infection with WNV. Recommendations are given to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and preventive measures.

Species Composition and Abundance of Indoor Adult Resting Mosquitoes in the Male Students' Hostel at Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

The presence of mosquitoes in an academic environment is a great threat to both staff and students’ wellbeing due to the possibility of the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases if bitten by infected mosquitoes. Thus, this study surveyed mosquitoes in male students’ hostels in Federal University of Dutse Jigawa State. The study was carried out using the pyrethroid spray catch method from 0600 hours to 0900 hours. A total of nine hundred and eighty-nine mosquitoes were collected. The predominant specie was Culex quinquefasciatus (61.53%) had a mean value of 152.25±0.20 which was significantly higher (P˂0.05) than Culex papien 7.59%, Aedes aegypti (13.0%) and then Anopheles gambiae (s.l) (7.0%) while there was the least with Ae. albopictus with 0.7% value. Mosquitoes’ abundance significantly varied (P&lt;0.05) with the altitude of building floors in favour of ground floor hostel rooms. Transmission indices revealed two (2) mosquitoes/room and as well as one (1) mosquito/student. Up to 50% of mosquitoes caught were from rooms where no insecticide aerosols were used. About 19% of mosquitoes were caught from such rooms where the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and aerosol insecticide were used. Owing to the results recorded in this study, male students living in the hostel should avoid human-vector contact through the informed use of insecticides and treated bed nets.

High human blood meal index of mosquitoes in Arba Minch town, southwest Ethiopia: an implication for urban mosquito-borne disease transmission

Unplanned human population shifts in urban areas are expected to increase the prevalence of vector-borne diseases. This study aimed to investigate mosquito species composition, blood meal sources, and malaria vectors in an urban area. Indoor-resting adult mosquitoes were collected using Prokopack and host-seeking mosquitoes using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps in Arba Minch town. Larval collection from artificial containers was done in those houses selected for adult mosquito collection. Anopheles adults collected and emerged from larvae were identified morphologically using a taxonomic key. ELISA was used to identify blood meal sources in freshly fed Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes, and CSP of Anopheles mosquitoes. A total of 16,756 female mosquitoes were collected. Of these, 93% (15,571) were Culex, 6% (1016) were Anopheles, and 1% (169) were Aedes mosquitoes. Out of the 130 adult mosquitoes that were raised from larvae collected from the containers, 20% were An. rhodesiensis, while the remaining 80% were Aedes mosquitoes. Out of 823 mosquitoes tested for blood meal origins, 86.3% (710/823) tested positive for human blood, 2.2% (18/823) tested positive for bovine blood, and 11.5% (95/823) were negative for human and bovine antibodies. Anopheles gambiae complex had a human blood meal index (HBI) of 50% (90/180; CI 42.3–57.5%) and a bovine blood meal index (BBI) of only 0.5% (95% CI 0.01–3.1%). Culex HBI was 96.7% (620/641), and its BBI index was 2.4% (15/641). While it was low (0.8%) in Culex, the proportion of An. gambiae complex with unidentified blood meal sources was 49.5% (95 CI% 41.9–56.9%). Among the 1016 Anopheles mosquitoes tested, a single An. gambiae complex (0.1%; 1/1016) was positive for P. vivax CSP. The high HBI indicates frequent contact between humans and vectors. To reduce human exposure, personal protection tools should be implemented.

Species composition and abundance of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in a green area surrounded by urbanization in the Neotropical megacity São Paulo, Brazil

The urbanization process can influence mosquito biodiversity and abundance, which in turn might affect public health. Here, we investigated mosquitoes’ abundance, diversity and seasonality in an urban green area, located in São Paulo, called Butantan Institute Park. We collected adult mosquitoes for two consecutive years by placing CDC light traps baited with CO2 in three different sites inside the park covering tree strata (canopy, understory and shrub layer). In total, we identified 27,350 mosquitoes belonging to nine different genera and 20 species, including several epidemiological important mosquito species that occupy the urban, sylvatic, and transitional ecotones. The most abundant species were Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823) (Diptera: Culicidae) with 6,892 specimens collected, Culex nigripalpus (Theobald, 1901) (Diptera: Culicidae) with 5,878 and Limatus durhami (Theobald, 1907) (Diptera: Culicidae) with 4,615. While seasonality did not appear to be a strong factor shaping mosquito diversity and abundance, strata had a pronounced effect on the abundance of mosquitoes. The abundance and diversity (Shannon’s index) of mosquitoes was higher at ground level (shrub layer). The high presence of mosquitoes in the park increases the risk of enzootic cycles, re-emergence, or the emergence of new pathogens in the urban environment. For instance, we found one specimen of the genus Sabethes (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1827) indicating that monitoring is very important to prevent yellow fever outbreaks in São Paulo city. Finally, several aspects of mosquito biology and dispersion are discussed in more detail.

Prevalence and Phenotypic Identification of Mosquitoes Species within the University of Maiduguri Community, Maiduguri, Northeast Nigeria

Mosquitoes, characterized by their slender bodies, long legs, prominent eyes, and narrow wings adorned with fringe-bearing scales, play a vital role in public health as disease vectors. The prevalence of mosquitoes in an environment is influenced by a complex interplay of breeding conditions and environmental factors. This study, conducted from February to August 2019, aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of mosquito genera in the University of Maiduguri area. A total of 903 mosquito specimens were collected using trapping methods, and morphological identification was performed based on specific characteristics. The indoor resting adults were categorized into three main genera based on morphological characteristics: Anopheles (546 individuals, 60.5%), Culex (312 individuals, 34.6%), and Aedes (45 individuals, 4.98 Habitat sampling, conducted using dippers and pipettes, aimed to identify mosquito breeding sites in five categories: containers, stagnant pools, domestic run-offs, gutters, and tree-holes/leaf axils. The study documented the presence of mosquitoes throughout the year, highlighting the persistence of these vectors in the area. Analysis of mosquito species composition revealed Anopheles as the most prevalent genus (Male=199, Female=347), followed by Culex (Male=192, Female=120), and Aedes (Male=22, Female=23), with Aedes being the least abundant. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference (p≥0.05) between Anopheles and the other two genera, suggesting that the University of Maiduguri offers favorable conditions for the breeding of Anopheles mosquitoes. Contributing factors to this observation include a rising human population, dense plant vegetation influencing humidity, and inadequately managed sewage drainage, fostering mosquito proliferation. The study emphasizes the critical need for ongoing monitoring and effective vector control measures in the University of Maiduguri area to mitigate the public health risks linked to mosquito-borne diseases.

Determinants of Aedes mosquito larval ecology in a heterogeneous urban environment- a longitudinal study in Bengaluru, India.

Aedes-borne disease risk is associated with contemporary urbanization practices where city developing structures function as a catalyst for creating mosquito breeding habitats. We lack better understanding on how the links between landscape ecology and urban geography contribute to the prevalence and abundance of mosquito and pathogen spread. An outdoor longitudinal study in Bengaluru (Karnataka, India) was conducted between February 2021 and June 2022 to examine the effects of macrohabitat types on the diversity and distribution of larval habitats, mosquito species composition, and body size to quantify the risk of dengue outbreak in the landscape context. A total of 8,717 container breeding sites were inspected, of these 1,316 were wet breeding habitats. A total of 1,619 mosquito larvae representing 16 species from six macrohabitats and nine microhabitats were collected. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were the dominant species and significantly higher in artificial habitats than in natural habitats. Breeding preference ratio for Aedes species was high in grinding stones and storage containers. The Aedes infestation indices were higher than the WHO threshold and showed significant linear increase from Barren habitat to High density areas. We found Ae. albopictus breeding in sympatry with Ae. aegypti had shorter wing length. A large proportion of larval habitats were man-made artificial containers. Landscape ecology drives mosquito diversity and abundance even at a small spatial scale which could be affecting the localized outbreaks. Our findings showed that sampling strategies for mosquito surveillance must include urban environments with non-residential locations and dengue transmission reduction programmes should focus on 'neighbourhood surveillance' as well to prevent and control the rising threat of Aedes-borne diseases.