Mapping the Distributions of Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses in China

Abstract

The geographic expansion of mosquitos is associated with a rising frequency of outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases (MBD) worldwide. We collected occurrence locations and times of mosquito species, mosquito-borne arboviruses, and MBDs in the mainland of China in 1954−2020. We mapped the spatial distributions of mosquitoes and arboviruses at the county level, and we used machine learning algorithms to assess contributions of ecoclimatic, socioenvironmental, and biological factors to the spatial distributions of 26 predominant mosquito species and two MBDs associated with high disease burden. Altogether, 339 mosquito species and 35 arboviruses were mapped at the county level. Culex tritaeniorhynchus is found to harbor the highest variety of arboviruses (19 species), followed by Anopheles sinensis (11) and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (9). Temperature seasonality, annual precipitation, and mammalian richness were the three most important contributors to the spatial distributions of most of the 26 predominant mosquito species. The model-predicted suitable habitats are 60–664% larger in size than what have been observed, indicating the possibility of severe under-detection. The spatial distribution of major mosquito species in China is likely to be under-estimated by current field observations. More active surveillance is needed to investigate the mosquito species in specific areas where investigation is missing but model-predicted probability is high.

Mapping the viruses belonging to the order Bunyavirales in China

“…In addition, Xinjiang and Yunnan were the PLADs with the richest species of ticks [29]. Yunnan and Hubei provinces had abundant diversity of mosquito species [34]. This evidence indicated that distribution of pathogens had an overall correlation with the ecogeographical faunal region for specific vectors [35].…”

A systematic review of published literature on mosquito control action thresholds across the world

“…The use of external data sources requires careful selection and matching of data in the temporal and spatial units in concern to generate reliable thresholds. The distribution of mosquitoes and hence the mosquito-borne diseases are clustered in nature based on different ecological niches they use [127]. However, the demarcation of spatial units of those studies is based on man-made administrative boundaries rather than on ecological or geographical determinants.…”

A novel Rickettsia species closely related to Rickettsia felis in Anopheles mosquitoes from Yingkou City, Northeast China

“…In previous studies, R. felis , Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, DENV, JEV, WNV and Zika virus have been detected in An. sinensis (Guo et al, 2016; Wang et al, 2022; Zhang et al, 2019), while An. pullus has been proven the competent vector of P. vivax , the agent of malaria (Ubalee et al, 2022).…”

“…The distribution of various mosquito species in China has long been studied. To date, at least 339 mosquito species from 18 genera have been reported across 1228 counties in mainland of China (Wang et al, 2022). However, this information is still absent or incomplete in many neglected areas of China.…”