Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease

Research

Jump to: Other

12 pages, 2630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Ground and Aerial Ultra-Low Volume Applications Using ReMoa Tri Against Deltamethrin-Resistant Aedes aegypti from Collier County, Florida

by Decyo McDuffie, Sara Kacinskas, Suzanne Li, Casey Parker-Crockett and Keira J. Lucas

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(5), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10050119 - 26 Apr 2025

Viewed by 164

Abstract

New intervention methods and product formulations are needed to better control pyrethroid-resistant Aedes aegypti populations and mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne disease. ReMoa Tri is a novel adulticidal space spray that utilizes a different mode of action than the commonly used adulticides: pyrethroids [...] Read more.

New intervention methods and product formulations are needed to better control pyrethroid-resistant Aedes aegypti populations and mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne disease. ReMoa Tri is a novel adulticidal space spray that utilizes a different mode of action than the commonly used adulticides: pyrethroids and organophosphates. As a triple-action space spray, ReMoa Tri combines three components: Fenpropathrin, a mixed-type I/II pyrethroid; abamectin, a macrocyclic lactone; and C8910, a patented fatty acid chain. Prior studies performed by Collier Mosquito Control District showed that ReMoa Tri is effective at controlling type I pyrethroid-resistant Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. To further validate these results and the performance of ReMoa Tri, we conducted a semi-field evaluation using ground and aerial ULV (ultra-low volume) applications with field-caught deltamethrin-resistant Ae. aegypti and a susceptible Ae. aegypti laboratory strain. Ground evaluations tested ReMoa Tri and a type II pyrethroid-based product, DeltaGard. While ReMoa Tri was equally effective against Collier’s deltamethrin-resistant Ae. aegypti and the susceptible laboratory strain, DeltaGard was effective against both strains, with reduced efficacy at farther distances. Similarly, aerial evaluations also showed that ReMoa Tri was equally effective against Collier’s deltamethrin-resistant Ae. aegypti strain and susceptible laboratory strain. This study further confirms ReMoa Tri’s potential as an effective alternative to pyrethroid-based adulticides, both in ground and aerial applications, for managing pyrethroid-resistant Ae. aegypti. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Desiccation Tolerance of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Eggs of Northeastern Argentina Origin

by Mía E. Martín, Elizabet L. Estallo, Luis G. Estrada, Carolina Matiz Enriquez and Marina Stein

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(4), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10040116 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 264

Abstract

This study examines the desiccation tolerance of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus eggs, two major arbovirus vectors, in a subtropical region of Argentina to understand their survival under varying relative humidity (RH) conditions (35%, 68%, and 82%). Laboratory experiments revealed that Ae. aegypti [...] Read more.

This study examines the desiccation tolerance of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus eggs, two major arbovirus vectors, in a subtropical region of Argentina to understand their survival under varying relative humidity (RH) conditions (35%, 68%, and 82%). Laboratory experiments revealed that Ae. aegypti eggs exhibited significantly higher survival rates across all RH levels and exposure times compared to Ae. albopictus. After 1 month, Ae. aegypti eggs maintained 88% survival at 35% RH, while Ae. albopictus survival dropped to 38%. This disparity was more pronounced at low RH, where Ae. albopictus eggs experienced a rapid decline in survival over time. The results highlight the importance of RH as a key factor influencing the persistence of both species in the environment. The coexistence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Puerto Iguazú suggests that microhabitats with distinct humidity conditions may favor one species over the other. These findings provide crucial insights for predicting mosquito population dynamics under changing climate conditions and developing more effective vector control strategies to reduce arbovirus transmission in subtropical regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Dengue Outbreak Thresholds in West Africa: A Comprehensive Analysis of Climatic Influences in Burkina Faso, 2018–2024

by John Otokoye Otshudiema, Watton R. Diao, Sonia Marie Wend-Kuuni Ouedraogo, Alain Ngoy Kapete, Laurent Moyenga, Emmanuel Chanda, Tieble Traore, Otim Patrick Ramadan and Alimuddin Zumla

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030066 - 28 Feb 2025

Viewed by 746

Abstract

Background: Dengue, transmitted by Aedes spp. mosquitoes, poses significant public health challenges in Burkina Faso. This study investigated outbreak thresholds, utilizing historical data since 2018 to explore the climatic impacts on dengue transmission and address knowledge gaps. Methodology: This retrospective ecological study utilized [...] Read more.

Background: Dengue, transmitted by Aedes spp. mosquitoes, poses significant public health challenges in Burkina Faso. This study investigated outbreak thresholds, utilizing historical data since 2018 to explore the climatic impacts on dengue transmission and address knowledge gaps. Methodology: This retrospective ecological study utilized historical and contemporary data from Burkina Faso’s Public Health Ministry (2018–2024) to model dengue outbreak thresholds. A combination of epidemic channel analysis, joinpoint regression, climate–disease relationship analysis, and negative binomial regression was employed to provide comprehensive insights into the factors driving dengue outbreaks. Principal Findings: The incidence of probable dengue cases remained stable, mostly below 5 cases per 100,000 people, except for a sharp surge in week 40 of 2023, peaking at 38 cases per 100,000. This surge was brief, normalizing by week 47, but coincided with a marked increase in mortality, reaching 90 deaths in week 45. Joinpoint regression identified key thresholds, an alert at 2.1 cases per 100,000 by week 41 and an intervention threshold at 19.1 cases by week 44, providing a framework for timely public health responses. Climatic factors significantly influenced dengue transmission, with higher temperatures (RR = 2.764) linked to increased incidence, while higher precipitation (RR = 0.551) was associated with lower case numbers, likely due to disrupted mosquito breeding conditions. Additionally, intermediate precipitation levels showed a complex relationship with higher incidence rates. Conclusions: This study established evidence-based epidemiological thresholds for dengue outbreak detection in Burkina Faso (2018–2024), demonstrating temperature as a primary transmission driver while precipitation showed inverse relationships. Analysis of the 2023 outbreak identified a critical five-week intervention window (weeks 40–45), providing a framework for climate-sensitive early warning systems. These findings advance the understanding of dengue dynamics in West Africa, though future research should integrate geographical and socioeconomic variables to enhance predictive modeling and outbreak preparedness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparative Performance of Klypson 500WG and 2GARD-WP Sprayed on Different Wall Surfaces Against Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Lower Moshi, Northern Tanzania

by Maua J. Mohamed, Deokary J. Matiya, Fred D. Chibwana, Winfrida Kidima, Aneth M. Mahande and Eliningaya J. Kweka

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030063 - 27 Feb 2025

Viewed by 785

Abstract

The emergence of insecticide resistance among malaria vector populations poses a significant threat to existing malaria vector control tools. This phenomenon necessitates an increased pace of developing and deploying new effective compounds in insecticides for vector control. Therefore, this study investigated the comparative [...] Read more.

The emergence of insecticide resistance among malaria vector populations poses a significant threat to existing malaria vector control tools. This phenomenon necessitates an increased pace of developing and deploying new effective compounds in insecticides for vector control. Therefore, this study investigated the comparative performance of newly formulated indoor residual spray compounds, Klypson 500WG (Clothianidin alone) and 2GARD-WP (a mixture of Clothianidin 50% and Deltamethrin 6.25%) against An. gambiae in the lower Moshi area of the rural Moshi district, Tanzania. Before the wall cone bioassay tests, the susceptibility of field-collected adult An. gambiae s.l. to 0.75% Permethrin, 2% Klypson 500WG, 0.05% Deltamethrin, and 0.25% Pirimiphos-methyl was assessed following WHO procedures. For the cone-bioassay testing, 160 houses were randomly selected and sprayed with Klypson 500WG and 2GARD-WP. For the walls sprayed with Klypson 500WG and 2GARD-WP, the knockdown rate of Anopheles gambiae after 60 min of exposure over six months ranged from 70% to 98%, with mortality rates after 24 to 168 h consistently exceeding 90% across all villages and wall types throughout the six months. The susceptibility of wild-collected mosquitoes to Pirimiphos-Methyl, Permethrin, Deltamethrin, and Klypson 500WG was 61, 81, 86, and 93%, respectively. These findings suggest that Klypson 500WG and 2GARD-WP are suitable alternative insecticides that can be incorporated in the vector control toolbox used for malaria control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 1919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biting Hour and Host Seeking Behavior of Aedes Species in Urban Settings, Metema District, Northwest Ethiopia

by Wondmeneh Jemberie, Sisay Dugassa and Abebe Animut

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10020038 - 28 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1191

Abstract

Background: Aedes species transmit arboviral diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. The diseases cause severe sickness, mortality, and economic losses. This study describes the biting hour and host-seeking behavior of Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus in three towns. Recently, chikungunya [...] Read more.

Background: Aedes species transmit arboviral diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. The diseases cause severe sickness, mortality, and economic losses. This study describes the biting hour and host-seeking behavior of Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus in three towns. Recently, chikungunya and dengue infections were reported in the study sites. Methods: Biting hour and host-seeking behaviors of Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus were studied from June to September 2023, in Genda-Wuha, Kokit, and Metema-Yohannes towns, Metema district, Northwest Ethiopia. CDC-LT traps were set running indoors and outdoors for 24 h closer to humans sleeping inside unimpregnated mosquito nets. At the same time, CDC-LT traps were set running overnight closer to domestic animals’ shelters located within a 50-m radius of the main residence. Mosquitoes trapped in CDC-LT were collected every hour. The study was conducted four times in each town during the wet season. A chi-square test was employed to examine biting hour and host-seeking behavior. Results: Aedes aegypti was observed to be highly exophilic and active during the daylight hours. Aedes aegypti exhibited a peak biting rate between 07:00 and 08:00 with the biting rate of 4.5/person/hour followed by from 17:00 pm to 18:00 pm with the biting rate of 3.75/person/hour. The hourly biting rate of Ae. aegypti differed significantly. Its peak indoor biting rate was from 19:00 to 20:00 with the rate of 2.00 bites/person/hour followed by from 08:00 to 09:00 with the rate of 1.50 bites/person/hour and the biting rates differed significantly across the hours (F = 240.046; p = 0.001). Aedes vittatus also exhibited a biting rate similar to that of Ae. aegypti. Both Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus were abundantly collected from nearby human sleeping arrangements than from the shelters of cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. The highest proportions of Ae. aegypti (91.21%) and Ae. vittatus (89.87%) were unfed. Conclusions: Aedes aegypti and Ae. vittatus exhibited peak biting rates during morning and early night hours that aligned with the active daily routine practices of the local community. This could potentially expose the inhabitants to viral diseases transmitted by Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Resistance to Pyrethroids and Neonicotinoids in Malaria Vectors from Vegetable Farms in the Northern Benin

by Massioudou Koto Yérima Gounou Boukari, Innocent Djègbè, Ghislain T. Tepa-Yotto, Donald Hessou-Djossou, Genevieve Tchigossou, Eric Tossou, Michel Lontsi-Demano, Danahé Adanzounon, Adam Gbankoto, Luc Djogbénou and Rousseau Djouaka

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(12), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9120305 - 12 Dec 2024

Viewed by 924

Abstract

Agricultural pesticides may play a crucial role in the selection of resistance in field populations of mosquito vectors. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility level of An. gambiae s.l. to pyrethroids and neonicotinoids in vegetable farms in northern Benin, in West Africa, [...] Read more.

Agricultural pesticides may play a crucial role in the selection of resistance in field populations of mosquito vectors. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility level of An. gambiae s.l. to pyrethroids and neonicotinoids in vegetable farms in northern Benin, in West Africa, and the underlying insecticide resistance mechanisms. A survey on agricultural practices was carried out on 85 market gardeners chosen randomly in Malanville and Parakou. Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae were collected, reared to adult stages, and identified to species level. Susceptibility was tested with impregnated papers (WHO bioassays) or CDC bottles according to the insecticides. Synergists (PBO, DEM, and DEF) were used to screen resistance mechanisms. Allelic frequencies of the kdr (L1014F), kdr (L1014S), N1575Y, and ace-1R G119S mutations were determined in mosquitoes using Taqman PCR. Fertilizers and pesticides were the agrochemicals most used with a rate of 97.78% and 100%, respectively, in Malanville and Parakou. Anopheles coluzzii was the predominant species in Malanville, while An. gambiae was the only species found in Parakou. Bioassays revealed a high resistance of An. gambiae s.l. to pyrethroids and DDT, while a susceptibility to bendiocarb, pyrimiphos-methyl, malathion, and clothianidin was recorded. Resistance to acetamiprid was suspected in mosquitoes from both localities. A lower resistance level was observed when mosquitoes were pre-treated with synergists, then exposed to insecticides. The kdr L1014F mutation was observed in both locations at moderate frequencies (0.50 in Malanville and 0.55 in Parakou). The allelic frequencies of N1575Y and G119S were low in both study sites. This study confirmed the resistance of An. gambiae s.l. to insecticides used in agriculture and public health. It reveals a susceptibility of vectors to bendiocarb, pyrimiphos-methyl, malathion, and clothianidin, thus indicating that these insecticides can be used as an alternative in Benin to control malaria vectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Activity and Distribution of the Invasive Mosquitoes Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus in the Zagreb Area, Croatia

by Ana Klobučar, Mihaela Kavran, Sunčica Petrinić and Marcela Curman Posavec

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(11), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9110263 - 4 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1207

Abstract

Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus are invasive mosquito species that are causing great public concern. Aedes albopictus have successfully spread in Croatia, established in both the coastal and continental parts of the country, while Aedes japonicus is invading temperate climate areas. The invasive [...] Read more.

Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus are invasive mosquito species that are causing great public concern. Aedes albopictus have successfully spread in Croatia, established in both the coastal and continental parts of the country, while Aedes japonicus is invading temperate climate areas. The invasive Aedes species are particularly attracted to the black plastic water containers and flower vases in cemeteries where they oviposit their eggs. Therefore, monitoring of this species was carried out in 12 cemeteries in Zagreb, using ovitraps with masonite strips as a substrate for oviposition. The monitoring was carried out from 2017 to 2020. The traps were inspected and the substrate was replaced every two weeks. This study showed that these two invasive species were present and very abundant in the cemeteries. In the case of Ae. albopictus, a higher population density and a greater number of occupied cemeteries were detected. This species was identified in all 12 cemeteries. Aedes albopictus was identified as the dominant species at all study sites. The spread of Ae. japonicus increased during 2018 in comparison to the previous year. Although this species was present in approximately 9% of the ovitraps, the observed population remained consistent throughout the course of the study. The findings indicate that cemeteries can be considered as significant public health hotspots, as the invasive Aedes mosquitoes tend to develop and reproduce in such environments. Consequently, the mosquito population of these two invasive species may only be reduced by applying integrated mosquito management measures, focused on the education of citizens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 13395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Citizen Science and Multimedia Didactic Resources: Knowledge of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in an Urban Area of Southwestern Colombia

by Francisco Javier Bedoya-Rodríguez, Carlos Eduardo Guevara-Fletcher and Jonathan S. Pelegrin

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(11), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9110256 - 25 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1244

Abstract

Citizen science resources have had great relevance in community educational intervention, fostering interest in ecological research projects. This study investigated the influence of the application of multimedia didactic resources focused on citizen science and analysis of sociodemographic variables to improve the levels of [...] Read more.

Citizen science resources have had great relevance in community educational intervention, fostering interest in ecological research projects. This study investigated the influence of the application of multimedia didactic resources focused on citizen science and analysis of sociodemographic variables to improve the levels of ecological knowledge about mosquito-borne diseases. For this, a probabilistic sample of 172 participants from an urban sector in southwestern Colombia was selected. A multimedia didactic material was designed for the educational intervention and evaluated by means of pretest and posttest. To assess whether the educational intervention was statistically significant, the data were processed with statistical inference to determine the influence of various variables (gender, age, marital status, schooling, and occupation) on each person’s ecological knowledge. The findings showed a significant increase in the knowledge levels of the participants. The marital status variable (married and cohabiting) significantly influenced ecological knowledge. These participants are more likely to obtain high knowledge, associated with the prevention of their family environment. This study demonstrated that multimedia didactic strategies are an important factor to take into account in the structuring of environmental education and citizen science projects. For future research, it is suggested to deepen the relationship between sociodemographic variables and ecological knowledge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Repurposing Insecticides for Mosquito Control: Evaluating Spiromesifen, a Lipid Synthesis Inhibitor against Aedes aegypti (L.)

by Daniela Cerda-Apresa, Selene M. Gutierrez-Rodriguez, Jesus A. Davila-Barboza, Beatriz Lopez-Monroy, Iram P. Rodriguez-Sanchez, Karla L. Saavedra-Rodriguez and Adriana E. Flores

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(8), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9080184 - 18 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1556

Abstract

The growing resistance of Aedes aegypti (L.) to conventional insecticides presents a major challenge in arbovirus control, necessitating the exploration of alternative insecticidal chemistries. Spiromesifen, derived from spirocyclic tetronic acids, is widely used against agricultural pests and is crucial in resistance management due [...] Read more.

The growing resistance of Aedes aegypti (L.) to conventional insecticides presents a major challenge in arbovirus control, necessitating the exploration of alternative insecticidal chemistries. Spiromesifen, derived from spirocyclic tetronic acids, is widely used against agricultural pests and is crucial in resistance management due to its unique lipid synthesis inhibition. This study evaluates the insecticidal activity of spiromesifen against temephos-resistant Ae. aegypti populations, focusing on larval body weight, volume, biochemical composition, and adult female reproductive potential. Spiromesifen demonstrated effective larvicidal activity, significantly reducing adult emergence. Resistance to spiromesifen was not observed, with resistance ratios (RR₅₀, RR₉₀) ranging from 0.36- to 3.31-fold. Larvae exposed to LC₅₀ showed significant reductions in body weight and volume, and reduced carbohydrate, lipid, and protein contents. Enhanced catalase activity and malondialdehyde levels indicated increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, highlighting its effects on lipid metabolism. Spiromesifen also exhibited sterilizing effects, significantly reducing fecundity and fertility in adult females, thereby impacting Ae. aegypti reproductive capacity. These findings highlight the potential of spiromesifen as a component of integrated vector management strategies, especially in regions with prevalent insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti, serving as an effective larvicide and impacting adult reproductive outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

24 pages, 662 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Assessing Insect Growth Regulator Resistance Using Bioassays: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen Inhibition of Emergence in Three Vector Mosquito Species

by Mark E. Clifton and Kristina Lopez

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(4), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10040087 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 493

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to: (1) characterize the distribution of published inhibition of emergence (IE₅₀, IE₉₀, and IE₉₅) reference values for pyriproxyfen and methoprene in Culex pipiens [L.], Aedes aegypti [L.], and Aedes albopictus [Skuse]; [...] Read more.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to: (1) characterize the distribution of published inhibition of emergence (IE₅₀, IE₉₀, and IE₉₅) reference values for pyriproxyfen and methoprene in Culex pipiens [L.], Aedes aegypti [L.], and Aedes albopictus [Skuse]; (2) generate combined-effect IE values using a DerSimonian and Laird (DL) random-effects model to establish benchmarks for future resistance assessments; and (3) compare these combined-effect IE values with previously published literature. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, J-STAGE, and Google Scholar up to 10 February 2025, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible studies were primary, peer-reviewed literature that aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) protocols for insect growth regulator (IGR) resistance testing, specifically those reporting susceptible reference IE values from continuous immersion dose-response bioassays analyzed using probit regression. A total of 72 unique studies that aligned with WHO protocols were assessed for publication bias using a funnel plot and Egger’s regression. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate individual study contributions to the overall combined effect. Heterogeneity (I²) and combined effect values were estimated for 18 different species/active ingredient/IE concentration subgroup pairings. Heterogeneity (I²) ranged from 29.32 to 99.78% between the 18 subgroups, indicating inconsistency within the literature. The DL combined effect IE₅₀ varied from 0.048 ppb for Cx. pipiens exposed to pyriproxyfen to 1.818 ppb for Ae. albopictus exposed to methoprene. A certainty analysis indicated that 1 combined effect value exhibited high certainty, 8 out of 18 pairings were moderately certain, 6 exhibited low certainty and 3 exhibited very low certainty. The main causes of uncertainty (ranked) were inconsistency between studies, imprecision of the combined effect size, and possible publication bias. Our findings indicate that (1) robust DL combined effect IE₅₀ values could be established for all species/IGR pairings, providing essential benchmarks for future resistance assessments; (2) substantial heterogeneity among susceptible laboratory colonies complicates resistance detection in field-collected mosquitoes; and (3) a significant portion of the literature relies on reference mosquito strains that are likely not fully susceptible, further complicating resistance detection. This study was not registered and was supported by the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1228 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Wide Variation of Aedes albopictus Genotypes First Introduced into Canary Islands Assessed by rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer Region and mtDNA cox1 Sequencing and Cloning

by Alejandra De Elías-Escribano, Irene Serafín-Pérez, Patricio Artigas, Carolina Fernández-Serafín, Sara Rodríguez-Camacho, Beatriz Yanes-Manrique, Víctor González-Alonso, Santiago Mas-Coma, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales and María Dolores Bargues

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10020035 - 27 Jan 2025

Viewed by 771

Abstract

Aedes albopictus, one of the most rapidly spreading invasive mosquito species, has expanded from Asia to establish populations on every continent except Antarctica, showcasing exceptional adaptability, particularly in island environments. This study provides the first molecular characterization of Ae. albopictus in the [...] Read more.

Aedes albopictus, one of the most rapidly spreading invasive mosquito species, has expanded from Asia to establish populations on every continent except Antarctica, showcasing exceptional adaptability, particularly in island environments. This study provides the first molecular characterization of Ae. albopictus in the Canary Islands, Spain. Genotyping was conducted using rDNA 5.8S-ITS2 and mtDNA cox1 sequencing, with haplotype analysis and phylogenetic network assessment. Among 49 sequences, 28 distinct 5.8S-ITS2 haplotypes were identified, with individual specimens containing 5 to 17 haplotypes (mean, 10.6). Most haplotypes (26/28; 92.85%) were unique to Tenerife, while only two (7.14%) were shared with other regions. H1 was the most frequent haplotype, shared with Valencia and China, while H2, a short-length haplotype, was shared with Mallorca. For cox1, only two haplotypes were detected: cox1-H1, reported in Europe, China, and Brazil, and a novel haplotype, cox1-H28. This genetic diversity suggests the species’ potential capacity to colonize new environments. The findings provide a foundation for further research in the Canary Islands and globally, particularly in regions with high tourism and arbovirus risks, emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance and genetic studies to understand the dynamics and public health impacts of invasive mosquito species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

4 pages, 574 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Impact on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Exposed to Honey-Impregnated Flinders Technology Associates (FTA^®) Cards

by Amandine Guidez, Albin Fontaine, Arnaud Cannet, Isabelle Dusfour, Romain Girod and Sébastien Briolant

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(7), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9070165 - 20 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1076

Abstract

Programs to control viruses transmitted by mosquitoes requires the implementation of surveillance tools. Over the past decade, Flinders Technology Associates (FTA^®) cards, which preserve nucleic acids, have emerged as an innovating surveillance system for collecting arboviruses expectorated during mosquito sugar feeding. [...] Read more.

Programs to control viruses transmitted by mosquitoes requires the implementation of surveillance tools. Over the past decade, Flinders Technology Associates (FTA^®) cards, which preserve nucleic acids, have emerged as an innovating surveillance system for collecting arboviruses expectorated during mosquito sugar feeding. In this study, we evaluate the survival rates of two strain of Aedes aegypti (New Orleans (NO) and Cayenne (CAY)) in the laboratory after exposing to either honey-impregnated FTA^® cards or untreated filter paper (UFP) card. Experimental exposure of mosquitoes to FTA^® cards during sugar feeding significantly negatively impacted their survival, as compared to untreated filter paper. The median survival time was 2 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 1 day, 3 days) for mosquitoes exposed to FTA cards from strain NO and 3 days (95% CI 2 days, 3 days) for mosquitoes exposed to FTA cards from strain CAY. Mosquitoes exposed to UFP did not survive until the end of the experiment (4 days for strain NO and 7 days for strain CAY). Although this finding does not preclude the use of FTA^® cards in surveillance, it is crucial to consider and incorporate this factor into study designs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI