Population Studies of the Filarial VectorAedes polynesiensis(Diptera: Culicidae) in Two Island Settings of French Polynesia

Abstract

A mark-release-recapture study was conducted to estimate the adult population size, migration, and dispersal patterns of male and female Aedes (Stegomyia) polynesiensis (Marks) in a valley of Moorea, a volcanic island, and a motu (islet) on the atoll of Tetiaroa, two settings typical of the Society Islands. Aedes polynesiensis recapture rate was high for females and low for males. The distribution of Aedes species in the valley was heterogeneous. Marked individuals dispersed to most parts of the motu and over great distances in the valley for some females. The study provides insights into the field dynamics of Ae. polynesiensis populations and confirms that more efficient sampling methods are warranted. There was no evidence of active migration between motus on the atoll, suggesting that Tetiaroa is a suitable site for small-scale initial open releases of Wolbachia incompatible insect technique and other sterile insect technique-like suppression or replacement strategies.

Evaluation of traps and lures for mosquito vectors and xenomonitoring of Wuchereria bancrofti infection in a high prevalence Samoan Village

“…The infection rate estimated at 4.7 % by PCR for Ae. polynesiensis in this study was high compared to 0.69 % and 0.28 % observed in neighbouring American Samoa [ 25 , 26 ] and to 0.17 % and 0.44 % in Moorea, French Polynesia [ 35 ]. Previously recorded infection rates from dissected Ae.…”

“…Previous studies demonstrated the capability for the “LDR” repeat DNA primers to detect filarial DNA present in Ae. polynesiensis in low prevalence areas [ 25 , 26 , 35 ]. Xenomonitoring using this method is limited, particularly in high prevalence areas where the “LDR” primers may detect filarial DNA in the mosquito that is persistent after feeding on infected human carriers [ 37 ].…”

Genomic Epidemiology in Filarial Nematodes: Transforming the Basis for Elimination Program Decisions

“…The role of movement of infected persons in the establishment and persistence of hot spots, and thus the appropriate choice of the size for implementation and evaluation units (both in terms of geographic size and total population) for LF programmatic activities needs to be critically evaluated for their impact on elimination progress. In contrast, long distance vector dispersal is not typically considered a major risk for increasing the distribution or prevalence of the LF parasite (Hapairai et al, 2013;Verdonschot and Besse-Lototskaya, 2014, but see Huestis et al, 2019).…”

On the use of the sterile insect release technique to reduce or eliminate mosquito populations

“…For numerical simulations, we use experimental (lab and field) values of the biological parameters in (1)- (2). We consider specifically a population of Aedes polynesiensis in French Polynesia which has been studied in [20,35,29], and more recently in [6,15,16,21].…”