Publication Date
Fall 2024
Abstract
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the two most dangerous vectors of dengue virus (DENV) worldwide, posing substantial threats to global public health. This study aimed to investigate how vegetation density and container availability influence Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus distribution and co-existence in Bethania, Panama City, Panama. Additionally, it aimed to assess the implications of this study for DENV transmission prevention and risk. Ovitrap and active surveillance (Bugzooka vacuuming, active larvae search) methods were utilized at six houses over two environmental conditions: high vegetation density and low container availability (Condition 1) and low vegetation density and high container availability (Condition 2). A total of 556 mosquitoes were collected, including 289 Ae. aegypti and 244 Ae. albopictus. Co-existence was observed in 33.33% of sites, exclusively within condition 2, while condition 1 had only one species per site. Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the relative abundance of the species between conditions (Chi squared test, p < 0.0001) with higher container availability correlating to species co-existence. A Mann-Whitney U test showed statistically insignificant results when comparing the proportion of mosquitoes collected in two conditions, likely due to small sample size. These findings suggest that container availability could be an important driver of species co-existence, likely decreasing larval competition within sites. This highlights the need for targeted vector control strategies, as well as more efficient and effective trash management systems within Panama and the world. Further research employing a larger sample size and study period is recommended as this is a pilot study warranting further research.
Disciplines
Life Sciences
Recommended Citation
Fremont-Smith, Lucy, "Understanding how vegetation and container availability relates to the spatial distribution of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes: Implications for disease transmission risk in Bethania, Panama City, Panama" (2024). Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation. 3.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/pne/3
