The Evolution of Entomological Research with Focus on Emerging and Re-emerging Mosquito-Borne Infections in the Philippines

Abstract

This paper presented previous and current research efforts for medically important mosquitoes that serve as vectors of emerging and re-emerging diseases in the Philippines, in light of identifying the research gap that exists in the field of public health entomology in the country. This extensive review of the past and current research studies with regard to medical entomology and vector control also attempted to provide proper direction and insights for effective implementation of the country's vector control programs. All research studies conducted in the Philippines from 1958 up to the present that are related to the paper's interest and are available on Philippines' Department of Science and Technology and RITM databases were tracked. Results from this analysis imply that studies on public health entomology in the Philippines have evolved and have gone through various stages of development over time. However, the magnitude of research on medically important mosquitoes in the country is still insufficient for it to contribute comprehensively to integrated methods of vector management and totally eliminate mosquito-borne infections in the Philippines. It is recommended for researchers to work on the continuity of vector researches and explore further the diversity of the entomological aspects of the control of vector-borne diseases.

Insecticide resistance inAedes aegyptifrom the National Capital Region, Philippines

“…The public health implication of dengue infection in the Philippines has been significant since its first recorded outbreak [1]. The high numbers of reported cases in previous years showed that it has been causing damaging effects on human lives.…”