Mosquito Vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) and Mosquito-Borne Diseases in North Africa

Abstract

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are of significant public health importance because of their ability to transmit major diseases to humans and animals, and are considered as the world’s most deadly arthropods. In recent decades, climate change and globalization have promoted mosquito-borne diseases’ (MBDs) geographic expansion to new areas, such as North African countries, where some of these MBDs were unusual or even unknown. In this review, we summarize the latest data on mosquito vector species distribution and MBDs affecting both human and animals in North Africa, in order to better understand the risks associated with the introduction of new invasive mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus. Currently, 26 mosquito species confirmed as pathogen vectors occur in North Africa, including Aedes (five species), Culex (eight species), Culiseta (one species) and Anopheles (12 species). These 26 species are involved in the circulation of seven MBDs in North Africa, including two parasitic infections (malaria and filariasis) and five viral infections (WNV, RVF, DENV, SINV and USUV). No bacterial diseases have been reported so far in this area. This review may guide research studies to fill the data gaps, as well as helping with developing effective vector surveillance and controlling strategies by concerned institutions in different involved countries, leading to cooperative and coordinate vector control measures.

Factors Contributing to Mosquito-Borne Disease: A Systematic Review in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

“…Finally, regarding the population's socioeconomic status, the study's findings suggest that the influence of socioeconomic status on MBDs did not show significant correlations in most studies [6]. This suggests that other factors, such as environmental conditions and healthcare access, could be more influential in determining the disease risk [13].…”

“…They found significant heterogeneity in published studies' distribution, quality, and quantity, which informs future research and surveillance priorities for the MBD in the MENA region. A more recent systematic review of MBD in North Africa was reported by Nebbak et al [6] in 2022. They found that 26 species are involved in circulating seven MBDs in North Africa.…”

Phytochemical Screening, Chemical Composition and Larvicidal Efficacy of Syzygium aromaticum Extracts and Essential Oil against Culex pipiens

“…Among these species, the female Culex pipiens, specifically, is recognized as a vector for numerous pathogens that can cause fatal infectious diseases in humans and animals. [6][7][8][9][10][11] There are currently no effective preventive or curative methods for vector-borne diseases. The focus of strategies has been on controlling the vectors through the use of chemical insecticides.…”

Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Bacteria as Potential Candidates for the Control of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae), the Principal Vector of West Nile Virus and Lymphatic Filariasis

“…Among blood-sucking insects, mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are the most well-known class of vectors of pathogens causing serious diseases in humans and animals [ 1 , 2 ]. To date, 26 mosquito species have been identified as disease vectors, 8 of which belong to the Culex genus [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is one of the most abundant Culex spp.…”

“…Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is one of the most abundant Culex spp. in Europe and a major vector of several diseases with medical and veterinary importance [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Culex pipiens has been linked to the transmission of the major cause of lymphatic filariasis, Wuchereria bancrofti , and viral diseases including Rift Valley fever, St. Louis encephalitis, and the Sindbis and West Nile viruses [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”