Distribution and Characterization of Culicids (Diptera: Culicidae) in Two Urban Communes of Estuaire Province of Gabon

Abstract

Background and Objective:The increasing urbanization in Libreville, the capital city of Gabon favors the creation and expansion of mosquito breeding sites that represent a high risk for an increased population of vectors of dangerous parasitic diseases such as malaria and arboviruses (chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever and Zika). Despite this growing risk, the mosquito population in Libreville and Akanda has not been thoroughly studied. The present study was designed to fill these knowledge gaps and provide mosquito breeding and distribution maps to ease their control. The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of the mosquito population in these areas by identifying different types of mosquito breeding grounds and adult mosquito species and mapping their distribution. Materials and Methods: An entomological prospection was conducted in Akanda and Libreville communities for 30 days during the rainy season from February 9th to April 6th. The physical characteristics of mosquito breeding spots were analyzed and mosquito larvae were raised in the Transmissible Diseases Ecology Laboratory (TDEL) under standard conditions. The adult mosquitoes were identified using standard taxonomic keys. Geospatial analysis was conducted using the Geographic Information System (GIS). Results: Of the 250 potential mosquito breeding microhabitats prospected, 122 of them were positive. The rate of mosquito breeding habitats was higher in Libreville (51%) than in Akanda (46%). The most common and positive breeding site was plastic containers, while the most densely populated was an abandoned frying pan. The genera Culex and Aedes were found in both communes, but Anopheles was only found in Libreville. Conclusion: It is important to dispose of household items like plastic containers and frying pans in Akanda and Libreville to prevent the invasion and spread of mosquito vectors. Mosquito control authorities can use distribution map to help plan and implement their mitigation system.