Different Spatial Distribution of Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus Along an Urban–rural Gradient and the Relating Environmental Factors Examined in Three Villages in Northern Thailand

Abstract

A larval survey of dengue vectors was conducted from July to November 1966 and from May to November 1997 in Chiangmai Province, Thailand. Three villages in urban, transition, and rural areas were selected for the survey to clarify the spatial distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus along an urban-rural ecological gradient. The average number of Ae. aegypti larvae in larvitraps was higher in the urban area than in the rural area, as we expected, whereas the opposite was found for Ae. albopictus, rural area > urban area. A house survey of larvae-inhabiting containers showed significant differences in the number and composition of these containers among the study areas. Significant differences were also found in the average distance between houses, average tree height, and average percentage of vegetation cover for each house. The seasonal pattern of rainfall recorded in each study area did not show great differences among the study areas. The response of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to the urban-rural gradient is discussed in relation to the possibility of applying geographic information system techniques to plan the control strategy and surveillance of dengue vectors.

Biting Density and Distribution of <i>Aedes albopictus</i> during the September 2014 Outbreak of Dengue Fever in Yoyogi Park and the Vicinity of Tokyo Metropolis, Japan

“…The association between vegetation and the distribution of Ae. albopictus has been reported in many studies (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25). However, most of the previous studies examined the spatial distribution of Ae.…”

Risk Factors for the Presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Domestic Water-Holding Containers in Areas Impacted by the Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project, Laos

“…albopictus dominated the collections. This urban-rural split for the two vector species is a common finding in other parts of Southeast Asia, [9][10][11] although the reasons for this finding are unclear.…”

“…Aedes albopictus, a secondary vector for DENV and primary vector for recent outbreaks of chikungunya in Malaysia and Thailand, 7,8 also exhibits a preference for oviposition in container habitats, but is generally more associated with peri-urban and rural environments. [9][10][11] Dengue and chikungunya are neither vaccine preventable, nor are there drugs to treat infections. Therefore, attempts to reduce the burden of disease are reliant on vector control.…”

Economic Burden of Dengue Virus Infection at the Household Level Among Residents of Puerto Maldonado, Peru

“…5 DENV is transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti mainly in urban settings, while Aedes albopictus has been implicated in rural areas. 6,7 The distribution of DENV and its vectors have continued to expand across diverse environments worldwide, 8,9 changing its epidemiology and evolving into an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. 1,10 The main control strategy remains focused on vector control, 9,11-14 despite growing efforts to develop a vaccine.…”