Critical review of the vector status of Aedes albopictus

Abstract

Abstract. The mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), originally indigenous to South-east Asia, islands of the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, has spread during recent decades to Africa, the mid-east, Europe and the Americas (north and south) after extending its range eastwards across Pacific islands during the early 20th century. The majority of introductions are apparently due to transportation of dormant eggs in tyres. Among public health authorities in the newly infested countries and those threatened with the introduction, there has been much concern that Ae. albopictus would lead to serious outbreaks of arbovirus diseases (Ae. albopictus is a competent vector for at least 22 arboviruses), notably dengue (all four serotypes) more commonly transmitted by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.). Results of many laboratory studies have shown that many arboviruses are readily transmitted by Ae. albopictus to laboratory animals and birds, and have frequently been isolated from wild-caught mosquitoes of this species, particularly in the Americas. As Ae. albopictus continues to spread, displacing Ae. aegypti in some areas, and is anthropophilic throughout its range, it is important to review the literature and attempt to predict whether the medical risks are as great as have been expressed in scientific journals and the popular press. Examination of the extensive literature indicates that Ae. albopictus probably serves as a maintenance vector of dengue in rural areas of dengue-endemic countries of South-east Asia and Pacific islands. Also Ae. albopictus transmits dog heartworm Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy) (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in South-east Asia, south-eastern U.S.A. and both D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens (Raillet & Henry) in Italy. Despite the frequent isolation of dengue viruses from wild-caught mosquitoes, there is no evidence that Ae. albopictus is an important urban vector of dengue, except in a limited number of countries where Ae. aegypti is absent, i.e. parts of China, the Seychelles, historically in Japan and most recently in Hawaii. Further research is needed on the dynamics of the interaction between Ae. albopictus and other Stegomyia species. Surveillance must also be maintained on the vectorial role of Ae. albopictus in countries endemic for dengue and other arboviruses (e.g. Chikungunya, EEE, Ross River, WNV, LaCrosse and other California group viruses), for which it would be competent and ecologically suited to serve as a bridge vector.

Olfaction in vector-host interactions

“…Aedes albopictus (Skuse), a competent vector for many arboviruses, which exhibits an opportunistic host-feeding pattern and is extending its range around the world (Gratz 2004, Richards et al 2006, Turell et al 2005 has been shown to be activated (in a Y-tube olfactometer) to a greater degree by hexanoic acid, ethyl butyrate and dimethyl disulfide than by lactic acid. These compounds were also shown to be attractive to this mosquito species (Wang et al 2006).…”

Temporal variation of wing geometry in Aedes albopictus

“…107(8): 1030-1034, December 2012 Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae), commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, originated in the forests of Southeast Asia and has now spread to America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, largely due to human activities (Gratz 2004, WHO 2012. This species is an epidemiologically important vector for the transmission of many viral pathogens, such as dengue fever, yellow fever virus, West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus (Fernández et al 2012).…”

Eclosion rate, development and survivorship of Aedes albopictus (Skuse)(Diptera: Culicidae) under different water temperatures

“…Even though this mosquito species is not considered a competent vector of such diseases in the American continent, under experimental conditions it is shown to be competent to transmit, at least, 22 arbovirusis, including the four serotypes of the dengue virus, yellow fever and the West Nile virus (Gratz 2004). Furthermore, this insect has been found naturally infected with several arboviruses (Gratz 2004, CDC 2005, including DENV-1 serotype isolated from a larva in Brazil (Serufo et al 1993).…”

“…Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is an important vector for arbovirusis such as dengue and Japanese encephalitis in Asia (Gratz 2004), and was associated with dirofi lariosis in dogs in Italy (Cancrini et al 2003). Even though this mosquito species is not considered a competent vector of such diseases in the American continent, under experimental conditions it is shown to be competent to transmit, at least, 22 arbovirusis, including the four serotypes of the dengue virus, yellow fever and the West Nile virus (Gratz 2004).…”