scholarly journals Aedes albopictus bionomics in Procida Island, a promising Mediterranean site for the assessment of innovative and community-based integrated pest management methods

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Caputo ◽  
G. Langella ◽  
V. Petrella ◽  
C. Virgillito ◽  
M. Manica ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Gulf Of Naples ◽  
New Public Health ◽  
Incompatible Insect Technique ◽  
New Public ◽  
Study Sites

AbstractThe colonization of Mediterranean Europe and of other temperate regions by Aedes albopictus created in the last decades an unprecedented nuisance problem in highly infested areas, as well as a new public health threat due to the species competence to transmit exotic arboviruses, such as dengue, chikungunya and zika. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) are insecticide-free mosquito-control methods relying on mass release of irradiated/manipulated males which are believed to have a potential in complementing existing and only partially effective control tools. Testing and implementing these approaches are challenging and selection of study sites is an instrumental and crucial step. We carried out a 4-year study in Procida Island (Gulf of Naples, Italy) in strict collaboration with local administrators and citizens to estimate: i) the temporal dynamics, spatial distribution, and population size of Ae. albopictus; and ii) the dispersal and survival of irradiated males. Overall, results provide insights on the bionomics of the mosquito in Southern Europe and draw attention to Procida Island as an ideal site to test innovative control programs against Ae. albopictus which may be used in other Mediterranean and temperate areas.”

scholarly journals Aedes albopictus bionomics data collection by citizen participation on Procida Island, a promising Mediterranean site for the assessment of innovative and community-based integrated pest management methods

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. e0009698
Author(s):  
Beniamino Caputo ◽  
Giuliano Langella ◽  
Valeria Petrella ◽  
Chiara Virgillito ◽  
Mattia Manica ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Vector Competence ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Gulf Of Naples ◽  
New Public Health

In the last decades, the colonization of Mediterranean Europe and of other temperate regions by Aedes albopictus created an unprecedented nuisance problem in highly infested areas and new public health threats due to the vector competence of the species. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) are insecticide-free mosquito-control methods, relying on mass release of irradiated/manipulated males, able to complement existing and only partially effective control tools. The validation of these approaches in the field requires appropriate experimental settings, possibly isolated to avoid mosquito immigration from other infested areas, and preliminary ecological and entomological data. We carried out a 4-year study in the island of Procida (Gulf of Naples, Italy) in strict collaboration with local administrators and citizens to estimate the temporal dynamics, spatial distribution, and population size of Ae. albopictus and the dispersal and survival of irradiated males. We applied ovitrap monitoring, geo-spatial analyses, mark-release-recapture technique, and a citizen-science approach. Results allow to predict the seasonal (from April to October, with peaks of 928–9,757 males/ha) and spatial distribution of the species, highlighting the capacity of Ae. albopictus population of Procida to colonize and maintain high frequencies in urban as well as in sylvatic inhabited environments. Irradiated males shown limited ability to disperse (mean daily distance travelled <60m) and daily survival estimates ranging between 0.80 and 0.95. Overall, the ecological characteristics of the island, the acquired knowledge on Ae. albopictus spatial and temporal distribution, the high human and Ae. albopictus densities and the positive attitude of the resident population in being active parts in innovative mosquito control projects provide the ground for evidence-based planning of the interventions and for the assessment of their effectiveness. In addition, the results highlight the value of creating synergies between research groups, local administrators, and citizens for affordable monitoring (and, in the future, control) of mosquito populations.

scholarly journals A Review of the Control of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Continental United States

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany L McGregor ◽  
C Roxanne Connelly
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Source Reduction ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Dengue Outbreaks ◽  
Nuisance Species ◽  
Alternative Techniques

Abstract Aedes aegypti (L) is an anthropophilic mosquito involved in the transmission of a variety of viral pathogens worldwide including dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. This species, native to Africa, is well established in the continental U.S. (CONUS) and occasionally contributes to localized outbreaks of viral diseases. In the last seven decades, mosquito control programs in the CONUS have been focused on vectors of eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and West Nile viruses, as well as nuisance species. Aedes aegypti receives little control focus except during outbreak periods, which has led to a lack of information on appropriate and effective control options targeting Ae. aegypti in the CONUS. As such, in the event of an Ae. aegypti-borne arboviral outbreak in the CONUS, there are limited evidence-based control recommendations or protocols in place. Autochthonous outbreaks of Ae. aegypti-borne pathogens have occurred recently in the CONUS, including dengue outbreaks in 2010 and 2013, a chikungunya outbreak in 2014, and the 2016 outbreak of Zika virus. The increasing frequency of Ae. aegypti-borne outbreaks necessitates increased attention and research on control of this species to prevent and mitigate future outbreaks. This review consolidates and synthesizes the available literature on control of Ae. aegypti, specifically within the CONUS, focusing on data generated through operational applications as well as field and semifield experiments. The purpose of this review is to identify and highlight areas where additional research is needed. The review covers chemical control and insecticide resistance, biological control, source reduction, trapping, and alternative techniques.

scholarly journals Standardized Operational Evaluations of Catch Basin Larvicides from Seven Mosquito Control Programs in the Midwestern United States During 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin E. Harbison ◽  
Roger Nasci ◽  
Amy Runde ◽  
Marlon Henry ◽  
Jim Binnall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Midwestern United States ◽  
Catch Basin ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
A Site

ABSTRACT During June to September 2017, 7 mosquito control programs in the midwestern United States evaluated a total of 9 catch basin larvicide formulations using similar protocols. Treated basins were monitored among study sites to observe when larvicides failed to control mosquitoes in 25% or more basins within a site. Overall, when monitoring occurred within the maximum label duration of the larvicides, sites treated with a single larvicide tablet or briquet surpassed the 25% fail threshold more often than pellet and granular larvicide formulations. In 438 of the study basins, the depth from sump bottom to catch basin lid was measured. In basins that were deeper than 5 ft (1.5 m), larvicides failed to control mosquitoes significantly more often than those 5 ft or shallower.

scholarly journals Activity of Some Plant and Fungal Metabolites Towards Aedes Albopictus (Diptera, Culicidae)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Ganassi ◽  
Marco Masi ◽  
Pasqualina Grazioso ◽  
Antonio Evidente ◽  
Antonio De Cristofaro
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Fungal Metabolites ◽  
Plant Metabolites ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
First Instar ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Third Instar Larvae

Abstract Background: Aedes albopictus (Skuse), a globally spread species, vector of important human arboviruses, and of Zika virus, is extremely difficult to control even for the onset of resistances to chemicals insecticides. Ecofriendly biopesticides for vector control are urgently needed. In this study, the activity of some plant metabolites as Amaryllidaceae alkaloids and some their semisynthetic derivatives and 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinones, and two analogues, and of the fungal metabolites cyclopaldic acid and epi-epoformin on the development and survival of Ae. albopictus larvae was evaluated. Methods: A preliminary screening, on first-instar larvae, with lycorine semisynthetic derivatives and cyclopaldic acid at 100 ppm was conducted. The living larvae were recorded 24 and 48 h post treatment. Based on the results, first-instar larvae were exposed to increasing doses of the compounds tested until adult emergence. The mean larval and pupal duration was calculated. Third instar larvae were exposed to increasing doses of naphthoquinones for 72 h. The mortality rates were recorded every 24. The larvicide Device® SC-15 was used as control.Results: First instar larval exposure to cyclopaldic acid at 50 and 100 ppm for 48 h, resulted in mortality mean percentage of 82.444 and 96.889% respectively; LC50 and LC90 were 40.119 and 105.092 ppm. 1,2-O,O-diacetyllycorine at 50 ppm, 48h post-treatment caused 84.667% mean percentage mortality with LC50 27.769 and LC90 88.316 ppm. Significant differences in the larval and pupal duration were proved when larvae were exposed to cyclopaldic acid (H=16.386; df 4; P=0.003; H=31.835; df 4; P=0.000), 1,2-O,O-diacetyllycorine (H=9.044; df 3; P=0.029; H=18.115; df 3; P=0.000) and N-methyllycorine iodide (H=19.457; df 4; P=0.001; H=15.400; df 4; P=0.004).Statistical analyses revealed that the number of third-instar larvae surviving to naphthoquinones significantly decreases over the time when exposed to 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone 12.5, 25, 50 ppm; 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone 12.5, 25 ppm, 2-metoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone 50 ppm. The mean number of surviving larvae exposed to: 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone 12.5, 25, 50, 100 ppm, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone 25, 50, 100 ppm, 2-metoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone 50, 100 ppm was significantly lower than the number of correspondent control larvae, respectively.Conclusions: This study indicated that 1,2-O,O’-diacetyllycorine, N-methyllycorine iodide, cyclopaldic acid and 1,4-naphtoquinone structural derivatives have good potential to develop bioinsecticides for mosquito control programs.

scholarly journals Activity of Some Plant and Fungal Metabolites towards Aedes albopictus (Diptera, Culicidae)

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 285
Author(s):  
Sonia Ganassi ◽  
Marco Masi ◽  
Pasqualina Grazioso ◽  
Antonio Evidente ◽  
Antonio De Cristofaro
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Fungal Metabolites ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Survival And Development ◽  
Good Potential ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Derivatives Of

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is a widespread mosquito, a vector of important human arboviruses, including Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika. It is an extremely difficult species to control even for the onset of resistances to chemicals insecticides, therefore ecofriendly products are urgently needed. In this study, the activity of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids and some of their semisynthetic derivatives, of 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and two analogues, of cyclopaldic acid and epi-epoformin on the survival and development of Ae. albopictus larvae was evaluated. First-instar larval exposure for 24 and 48 h to cyclopaldic acid, resulted in mortality mean per-centage of 82.4 and 96.9 respectively; 1,2-O,O-diacetyllycorine 48h post-treatment caused 84.7% mortality. Larval and pupal duration were proved to decrease significantly when larvae were exposed to cyclopaldic acid, 1,2-O,O-diacetyllycorine and N-methyllycorine iodide. The mean number of third-instar larvae surviving to 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone was significantly lower than the number of correspondent control larvae over the time. This study indicated that 1,2-O,O’-diacetyllycorine, N-methyllycorine iodide, cyclopaldic acid and 1,4-naphthoquinone structural derivatives have good potential for developing bioinsecticides for mosquito control programs. The obtained results are of general interest due to the global importance of the seri-ous human diseases such a vector is able to spread.

Molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miribane Dërmaku-Sopjani ◽  
Mentor Sopjani
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Virus Genome ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
New Public Health ◽  
New Public ◽  
And Function

Abstract:: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a new public health crisis threatening the world. This pandemic disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus has been reported to be originated in bats and by yet unknown intermediary animals were transmitted to humans in China 2019. The SARSCoV- 2 spreads faster than its two ancestors the SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERSCoV) but has reduced fatality. At present, the SARS-CoV-2 has caused about a 1.16 million of deaths with more than 43.4 million confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in a serious threat to public health globally with yet uncertain impact. The disease is transmitted by inhalation or direct contact with an infected person. The incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days. COVID-19 is accompanied by various symptoms, including cough, fatigue. In most people the disease is mild, but in some other people, such as in elderly and people with chronic diseases, it may progress from pneumonia to a multi-organ dysfunction. Many people are reported asymptomatic. The virus genome is sequenced, but new variants are reported. Numerous biochemical aspects of its structure and function are revealed. To date, no clinically approved vaccines and/or specific therapeutic drugs are available to prevent or treat the COVID-19. However, there are reported intensive researches on the SARSCoV- 2 to potentially identify vaccines and/or drug targets, which may help to overcome the disease. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its biochemical characteristics.

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