Temporal Dynamics and Spatial Patterns of Aedes aegypti Breeding Sites, in the Context of a Dengue Control Program in Tartagal (Salta Province, Argentina)

Abstract

BackgroundSince 2009, Fundación Mundo Sano has implemented an Aedes aegypti Surveillance and Control Program in Tartagal city (Salta Province, Argentina). The purpose of this study was to analyze temporal dynamics of Ae. aegypti breeding sites spatial distribution, during five years of samplings, and the effect of control actions over vector population dynamics.Methodology/Principal FindingsSeasonal entomological (larval) samplings were conducted in 17,815 fixed sites in Tartagal urban area between 2009 and 2014. Based on information of breeding sites abundance, from satellite remote sensing data (RS), and by the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis (hotspots and cluster analysis) and predictive model (MaxEnt) were performed. Spatial analysis showed a distribution pattern with the highest breeding densities registered in city outskirts. The model indicated that 75% of Ae. aegypti distribution is explained by 3 variables: bare soil coverage percentage (44.9%), urbanization coverage percentage(13.5%) and water distribution (11.6%).Conclusions/SignificanceThis results have called attention to the way entomological field data and information from geospatial origin (RS/GIS) are used to infer scenarios which could then be applied in epidemiological surveillance programs and in the determination of dengue control strategies. Predictive maps development constructed with Ae. aegypti systematic spatiotemporal data, in Tartagal city, would allow public health workers to identify and target high-risk areas with appropriate and timely control measures. These tools could help decision-makers to improve health system responses and preventive measures related to vector control.

Spatial pattern evolution of Aedes aegypti breeding sites in an Argentinean city without a dengue vector control programme

“…The increase in density of positive breeding sites from 2012 to 2014 was observed in association with the increase in the stegomyia indices (both HI and BI). This behaviour is in agreement with observations obtained from other areas under no vector control (Rotela, 2012) in Puerto Iguazú City, but differs from the results obtained by Espinosa et al (2016) in the City of Tartagal, where there was a significant reduction in breeding site density related to vector control activities.…”

“…In addition, a hotspot buffer layer shapefile was created as a distance map to critical points (cemetery and garbage dump). Finally, the normalised burn ratio thermal (NBRT) layer was included as proxy for the annual land surface temperature according to Espinosa et al (2016). This index includes near infrared, short wave infrared (SWIR) and thermal infrared Landsat bands (http://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/).…”

Field comparison of oviposition substrates used in ovitraps for Aedes aegypti surveillance in Salta, Argentina

“…Thus, there were data for 68 ovitraps from Salta (from 17 sites) and 96 ovitraps from Hipólito Yrigoyen (from 24 sites). Previous and ongoing studies on tree hole and container mosquitos in Salta province (e.g., Espinosa et al, 2016;Mangudo, Aparicio, & Gleiser, 2011;Mangudo, Aparicio, Rossi, & Gleiser, 2018; José F. Gil pers. obs.)…”

Determination of Environmental Factors Affecting Dengue Incidence in Sleman District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…Aedes albopictus is more tolerant to cold temperature so that it has geographical spread larger to sub-tropical areas (Brady et al, 2013). Aedes aegypti lives optimally in [26][27][28][29][30] ○ C and humidity of 70-80% (Mourya et al, 2004) along with the availability of breeding place (Espinosa et al, 2016) and food sources (Arrivillaga and Barrera, 2004).…”