Associations between two mosquito populations and West Nile virus in Harris County, Texas, 2003-06

Associations between Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes albopictus and West Nile virus (WNV) activity, temperature, and rainfall in Harris County, Texas 2003-06 are discussed. Human cases were highly correlated to Cx. quinquefasciatus (r = 0.87) and Ae. albopictus (r = 0.78) pools, blue jays (r = 0.83), and Ae. albopictus collected (r = 0.71), but not Cx. quinquefasciatus collected (r = 0.45). Human cases were associated with temperature (r = 0.71), not rainfall (r = 0.29), whereas temperature correlated with Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus collections (r = 0.88 and 0.70, respectively) and Cx. quinqueftsciatus pools (r = 0.75), but not Ae. albopictus pools (r = 0.55). Both species (collections and pools) and blue jays were weakly correlated (r 5 0.41) with rainfall, but blue jays were better correlated with Cx. quinquefasciatus pools (r = 0.87), compared with Ae. albopictus pools (r = 0.67), Ae. albopictus collections (r = 0.69), and Cx. quinquefasciatus collections (r = 0.46). Peak minimum infection rate for Cx. quinquefasciatus (4.55), and Ae. albopictus (4.41) was in August with highest human cases (17.87), blue jays (55.58), and temperature (29.01 degrees C). Between both species, blood meal analysis indicated 68.18% of Cx. quinquefasciatus mammalian hosts were dog, while 22.72% were human, whereas Ae. albopictus had higher human (44.44%) but fewer dog hosts (22.22%). Ten bird species were identified as hosts for Cx. quinquefasciatus, with northern cardinal and blue jay representing 26.66% and 20.00%, respectively. No bird feeding activity was observed in Ae. albopictus. The earliest and latest human blood meal occurred in May (Ae. albopictus) and November (Cx. quinquefasciatus); 66.66% of human host identifications between both species occurred in October-November, after the seasonal human case peak. Based upon our data, WNV activity in both mosquito species warrants further investigation of their individual roles in WNV ecology within this region.     

Habitat characteristics of larval mosquitoes in zoos of South Carolina, USA

To investigate whether the unique assemblage of habitats in zoos could affect mosquito oviposition behavior and to provide zoos with suggestions for mosquito control, larvae were sampled and associated habitat variables were measured in 2 zoos in South Carolina, U.S.A. Fifty-nine sites were sampled from March 2008 to January 2009. A total of 1630 larvae representing 16 species was collected and identified. The dominant species was Aedes albopictus (46.0%), followed by Ae. triseriatus (23.6%), Culex restuans (12.4%), and Cx. pipiens complex (9.7%). Principal components and multiple logistic regression analyses showed that across both zoos the distribution of Ae. albopictus larvae was predicted by ambient and site temperature, precipitation, dissolved oxygen, and container habitats. The distribution of Ae. triseriatus larvae was predicted by natural containers and shade height < or =2 m. Overall larval mosquito presence (regardless of species) was predicted by ambient and site temperature, precipitation, dissolved oxygen, presence of natural habitats, and absence of aquatic vegetation. Additionally, C8 values of pairwise species associations indicated significant habitat-based relationships between Ae. albopictus and Ae. triseriatus, and Cx. pipiens complex and Cx. restuans. In general, species-habitat associations conformed to previously published studies. Recommendations to zoo personnel include elimination of artificial container habitats, reduction of shade sources < or =2 m over aquatic habitats, use of approved mosquito larvicides, and training in recognizing and mitigating larval mosquito habitats.     

A survey of mosquitoes breeding in used tire stockpiles in Connecticut

A larval survey of nine used tire disposal sites in Connecticut, was conducted from June through October 1987. No larvae of Aedes albopictus were uncovered indicating that this mosquito is not yet established in the state. However, eight other mosquito species in four genera were found. The most abundant and widely distributed species found breeding in permanent tire dumps were Ae. atropalpus, Ae. triseriatus and Culex restuans. Culex pipiens was the second most common Culex species followed by Cx. territans and Cx. salinarius. Other species included Anopheles punctipennis and Culiseta melanura. Larvae of Ae. atropalpus and Cx. salinarius were most frequently recovered from tire casings exposed to direct sunlight, while Ae. triseriatus and Cs. melanura predominated in tires shaded by bordering trees and low-lying vegetation. The other mosquito species showed no discernable preference for either habitat type.     

Description and use of the Harris County gravid trap for West Nile virus surveillance 2003-06

The Harris County Gravid Trap (HCGT) used for West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance from 2003-06 is described. The HCGT collected 1,918,483 Culex quinquefasciatus females (over 36,627 periods), with 466,296.37 (8,452.74) yearly. Only 48,094 Aedes albopictus females (over 15,139 periods) were collected, with 10,277.79 (3,260.33) yearly. The highest mosquito production occurred in July for Cx. quinquefasciatus (63,851.25 +/- 0.13), and for Ae. albopictus (2,981.80 +/- 0.09). Integrating gravid traps within our program has increased our ability to detect WNV efficiently in both species.     

Ochlerotatus j. japonicus in Frederick County, Maryland: discovery, distribution, and vector competence for West Nile virus

Ochlerotatus japonicus japonicus is reported for the 1st time south of the Mason-Dixon Line, in Frederick County, Maryland. Fifty-seven oviposition trap samples were collected throughout the county between June 30 and August 24, 2000. From 971 larvae reared from the oviposition traps, 5 species were identified: Ochlerotatus triseriatus (45%), Oc. j. japonicus (43%), Aedes albopictus (7%), Culex pipiens (4%), and Toxorynchites ritulus septentrionalis (<1%). Ochlerotatus j. japonicus was found widely distributed over the area sampled. This is the 1st record of Ae. albopictus in the county as well. Vector competence studies indicated that Oc. j. japonicus is an efficient laboratory vector of West Nile (WN) virus. Depending on the viral titer at time of feeding, the estimated transmission rates for Oc. j. japonicus for WN virus were 2-4 times higher than that for Cx. pipiens. Studies of the viral titer in mosquitoes over time showed that titers in the bodies of infected Oc. j. japonicus reached their peak (approximately 10(6.5) plaque-forming units/mosquito) between 7 and 11 days after taking an infectious blood meal, and that virus became detectable in the legs (an indicator of disseminated infection) as early as 3 days after taking an infectious blood meal.     

Efficacy evaluation of a fumigant containing permethrin and deltamethrin against vector mosquitoes

The efficacy of a new smoke-generating formulation (fumigant), containing the active ingredient permethrin (69 g/kg) and deltamethrin (3.9 g/kg) per cartridge, was evaluated against adult female Anopheles albimanus, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus in a large vehicle storage building (22 x 13 x 4.5 m3), Florida, U.S.A., and against Cx. pipiens complex and Ae. albopictus in a furnished apartment (12 x 7 x 3.5 m3) in Israel. In the storage building, the use of 2 fumigant cartridges resulted in 100% mortality for all 3 species in 15 min. Using 1 cartridge resulted in 100% mortality in An. albimanus, 98% in Ae. aegypti, and 97% in Cx. quinquefasciatus in 15 min; and 100% mortality for both Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus at 30 min. In the apartment in Israel, both Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens showed 100% mortality when exposed to the fumigant cartridge for 15 min. Based on these preliminary data, the test formulation (fumigant) could be a valuable tool for controlling mosquitoes.     

广东省蚊虫感染沃尔巴克氏体初步调查研究

目的 了解广东省蚊虫种群中沃尔巴克氏体（Wolbachia）的分布及其基因型别.方法 利用Wolbachia的wsp基因序列建立PCR检测方法,对蚊科中库蚊属、伊蚊属、阿蚊属和按蚊属部分蚊虫种类进行检测,同时利用Mega 5.2软件对所获基因序列进行系统分析.结果 分别从致倦库蚊、骚扰阿蚊、白纹伊蚊及未分型蚊种中检测到12条目的基因序列,其中11条成功进行测序,这些序列分别属于A和B2个超级基因组,分布在5个不同的基因族中.结论 广东省白纹伊蚊、骚扰阿蚊和致倦库蚊中均存在A大组（含2个小组）和B大组（含3个小组）基因型的Wolbachia感染,埃及伊蚊和中华按蚊未检测出Wolbachia.     

Occurrence of tire inhabiting mosquito larvae in different geographic regions of West Virginia

Eleven species of mosquito larvae were collected in 568 collection visits to 209 abandoned tire pile sites in 33 West Virginia counties from April through October of 2003. Ochlerotatus j. japonicus supplanted the native Oc. triseriatus as the most common tire-colonizing species in the state. In general, the exotic Oc. j. japonicus was a better colonizer of tires than Oc. triseriatus in peridomestic, sunlit conditions throughout the state, whereas both species were equally likely to colonize tires in nonperidomestic, shaded settings. Aedes albopictus competed effectively with Oc. triseriatus from mid-summer through October in low elevation western counties but was not well represented in central counties of the state. Aedes albopictus was seldom collected at higher elevations in eastern counties. Culex pipiens, like Ae. albopictus, was more likely to be in collections from the western portion of West Virginia throughout the study period. Frequency of occurrence of Cx. restuans peaked in early season collections and declined as the season progressed, but Anopheles punctipennis and the medically unimportant Cx. territans gradually increased in frequency each month through September. Typically, species in the genus Culex and An. punctipennis were predisposed to peridomestic, sunlit habitats. Larvae of the predatory Toxorhynchites rutilus septentrionalis were found mostly in nonperidomestic, shaded settings. This species initially appeared in mid-summer, and by August and September it was found in as many as 30% of the collection sites in western and eastern counties. Larvae of An. barberi, Oc. atropalpus, and Orthopodomyia signifera were poorly represented in collections.     

广东国境口岸五种蚊种核糖体基因第2内转录间隔区分子鉴定方法研究

[目的]建立国境口岸不同蚊种的核糖体基因第2内转录间隔区（rDNA-ITS2）分子鉴定方法及其系统进化关系。[方法]针对蚊虫的rDNA核酸序列保守性，设计扩增rDNA-ITS2编码区的PCR引物，对广州机场、江门和湛江等国境口岸采集的致倦库蚊、三带喙库蚊、白纹伊蚊、中华按蚊、骚扰阿蚊等成蚊和实验室喂养的蚊幼虫进行PCR扩增和序列测定，并与GenBank中已知蚊虫的rDNA-ITS2进行同源性比较和系统进化分析。[结果]不同蚊虫的rDNA-ITS2扩增片断长度不同，M2引物对致倦库蚊、三带喙库蚊、白纹伊蚊、骚扰阿蚊和中华按蚊的扩增片断分别为447bp-520bp、432bp-438bp、527bp-586bp、439bp-448bp和644bp。序列分析和系统进化关系显示，尖音库蚊组和三带喙库蚊聚类为库蚊属，再与白纹伊蚊和骚扰阿蚊聚类为库蚊亚科，库蚊亚科再与中华按蚊进行聚类，分子进化与蚊虫形态学鉴定的亲缘关系保持一致。[结论]建立的rDNA-ITS2分子鉴别技术可成功地应用于国境口岸范围内成蚊和幼蚊的亚科、属和种的区分和确定系统发育关系。这可以弥补蚊虫形态特征信息量的不足等传统分类系统的缺点，对国境口岸范围外来的或新发现的蚊种的鉴别提供了分子水平的技术依据。     

The association of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Allende, Nuevo León, Mexico

The recent appearance of Aedes Stegomyia albopictus (Skuse) in Nuevo León (NL) worries health officials. It is a vector of dengue fever in Asia and is more resistant to lower temperatures than Ae. aegypti. The objective of this study was to learn about some ecological parameters of Ae. albopictus and their association with Ae. aegypti, and other culicids in Allende, NL, Mexico, during 1999. Allende is a small town close to metropolitan Monterrey, which has 4 million inhabitants. The design was random with monthly sampling of 175 ovitraps. Chi-square analyses were performed with data of presence, absence, frequency, and relative abundances. During the study, the species Culex tarsalis (Coquillet), Cx. thriambus (Dyar), Cx. pipiens (Linnaeus), Cx. coronator (Dyar and Knab), Ae. albopictus, Ae. aegypti, Toxorhynchites rutilus (Coquillet), and Ae. triseriatus (Say) were found. April is the month for large numbers of mosquito species. September had the highest populations in positive ovitraps (66.67%), followed by July (63.27% of traps). Aedes aegypti was the most abundant (65.13%), followed by Ae. albopictus (19.71%). Both Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti were found from April until December. Aedes aegypti was more abundant than Ae. albopictus, except in August, when they were similar (chi2 = 0.197, P < 0.05). We found significant association between the presence of both species for every study month (chi2 = 9.837, P < 0.05), with a contingency coefficient of 0.247. September and November were the months having the most mosquitoes in this association. Only considering Ae. albopictus, more were found in ovitraps in July (34.6%), followed by September (33.3%). However, its presence was not significant throughout the year. Of 2 zones, in town and at the river, prevalence indicated that Ae. albopictus preferred the river. This mosquito is in its establishment phase in this area and requires further studies.     

West Nile virus in Pakistan. III. Comparative vector capability of Culex tritaeniorhynchus and eight other species of mosquitoes

Eight species of mosquitoes from Pakistan were compared with Culex tritaeniorhynchus as experimental vectors of West Nile (WN) virus. When fed by the membrane or cotton-pledget methods on a dose of WN virus 100% infective for Cx tritaeniorhynchus, 95% and 73% of the females of Cx fuscocephala and Cx pseudovishnui became infected, respectively. Cx quinquefasciatus, Cx univittatus, Aedes albopictus, Ae. caspius, Ae. indicus and Ae. lineatopennis were all significantly less susceptible than Cx tritaeniorhynchus. In agreement with the single dose comparisons, the median per os infective dose of WN virus for Cx fuscocephala, Cx pseudovishnui and Ae. caspius was substantially greater than for Cx tritaeniorhynchus. The median parenteral infective dose for all six species tested was less than 1 SMICLD50. Both Cx tritaeniorhynchus and Cx quinquefasciatus were more susceptible to infection with WN virus when fed on viraemic chickens than when fed on defibrinated blood using cotton pledgets or membranes. After infection by intrathoracic inoculation, only Ae. indicus and Ae. lineatopennis showed a reduced ability to transmit WN virus when compared to Cx tritaeniorhynchus.     

Vector competence of California mosquitoes for West Nile virus

To identify the mosquito species competent for West Nile virus (WNV) transmission, we evaluated 10 California species that are known vectors of other arboviruses or major pests: Culex tarsalis, Cx. pipiens pipiens, Cx. p. quinquefasciatus, Cx. stigmatosoma, Cx. erythrothorax, Ochlerotatus dorsalis, Oc. melanimon, Oc. sierrensis, Aedes vexans, and Culiseta inornata. All 10 became infected and were able to transmit WNV at some level. Ochlerotatus, Culiseta, and Aedes were low to moderately efficient vectors. They feed primarily on mammals and could play a secondary role in transmission. Oc. sierrensis, a major pest species, and Cx. p. quinquefasciatus from southern California were the least efficient laboratory vectors. Cx. tarsalis, Cx. stigmatosoma, Cx. erythrothorax, and other populations of Cx. pipiens complex were the most efficient laboratory vectors. Culex species are likely to play the primary role in the enzootic maintenance and transmission of WNV in California.     

Evaluation of octenol and Lurex as baits in Mosquito Magnet Pro traps to collect vector mosquitoes in China

The effectiveness of the attractants 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and L-lactic acid (Lurex) on the collection of Aedes albopictus, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. pipiens pallens, and Anopheles sinensis was first evaluated in Mosquito Magnet Pro traps in Yamenkou and Badachu residential areas, Beijing City, and Lishui area, Zhejiang Province, China. The Mosquito Magnet Pro traps baited with octenol collected significantly more Ae. albopictus, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and An. sinensis, but fewer Cx. pipiens pallens than collection by the traps alone. There were no significant differences in the numbers of Cx. pipiens pallens, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and An. sinensis collected by Mosquito Magnet Pro traps baited with Lurex compared to the traps alone, but the Mosquito Magnet Pro traps baited with Lurex collected significantly more Ae. albopictus than the number collected by the traps alone at 2 areas in Beijing.     

诱蚊诱卵器和光催化捕杀蚊蝇器在蚊虫调查中的应用

目的了解陕西省白纹伊蚊分布边界地区的蚊类种群及生态习性;评价诱蚊诱卵器和光催化捕杀蚊蝇器在蚊虫现场调查中的应用效果。方法2006年7-9月在3个调查点选择6种不同生境,布放诱蚊诱卵器以诱获白纹伊蚊成虫及卵;布放光催化捕杀蚊蝇器捕获各种成蚊。结果宝鸡、韩城市发现白纹伊蚊分布。诱蚊诱卵器调查平均诱蚊诱卵指数(MOI)为17.92;白纹伊蚊繁殖高峰期在8月,以山地林地MOI最高,为33.20。光催化捕杀蚊蝇器在黄陵、宝鸡、韩城市共捕获成蚊925只,分属5属8种,淡色库蚊为优势种,构成比为76.11%。淡色库蚊、骚扰阿蚊、三带喙库蚊在各种环境均有分布,三带喙库蚊在养殖耕种区分布较多。结论白纹伊蚊分布边界与历史资料一致。淡色库蚊、三带喙库蚊、骚扰阿蚊为上述地区主要蚊种。诱蚊诱卵器和光催化捕杀蚊蝇器现场应用效果良好。     

Larval survey of tire-breeding mosquitoes in Alabama

A state-wide survey of tire-breeding mosquitoes in Alabama was conducted in 2004 and 2005. Tire sites in all 67 counties in the state of Alabama were sampled for mosquito larvae. A total of 13,022 mosquito larvae, representing 12 species in 7 genera, was collected. The most frequently collected species were Aedes albopictus (70.4%), Culex territans (8.0%), and Ochlerotatus triseriatus (7.1%). The following species were also collected: Cx. restuans (6.0%), Cx. salinarius (2.7%), Orthopodomyia signifera (2.4%), and Cx. quinquefasciatus (1.4%). Ochlerotatus atropalpus, Toxorhynchites rutilus, Anopheles punctipennis, An. quadrimaculatus, and Psorophora columbiae each represented <1.0% of the total larval collections. No Ae. aegypti or Oc. japonicus were collected from tires during this survey. The first known collection of Ps. columbiae breeding in water-filled tires is reported.     

广东省蚊虫密度消长及种群构成分析

目的调查广东省蚊虫消长及种群构成动态变化规律,为科学防治蚊虫提供参考。方法分别采用诱蚊灯法、布雷图法及诱蚊诱卵器法开展监测,对蚊虫进行鉴定及计数。结果 2012年广东省蚊虫密度年平均为10.77只/灯,高峰在4-5月,优势蚊种为致倦库蚊,占捕蚊总数的89.9%,伊蚊布雷图指数(BI)年平均为12.6。近5年来库蚊呈逐年下降趋势,而白纹伊蚊则逐年有所上升。结论致倦库蚊、伊蚊是广东省蚊虫密度控制的重点,加强监测可以掌握其消长规律,为制定适宜的防治措施提供参考。     

Vector competence of Culiseta incidens and Culex thriambus for West Nile virus

The vector competence of Culiseta incidens (Thomson) and Culex thriambus Dyar for West Nile virus (WNV) were compared to Cx. quinquefasciatus Say or Cx. tarsalis Coquillett and Cx. stigmatasoma Dyar collected concurrently in California. Culiseta incidens were less susceptible to oral infection than Cx. quinquefasciatus, but transmitted virus at a significantly higher rate, thereby yielding comparable population transmission rates. Culex thriambus was equally susceptible to oral infection and transmitted virus at rates comparable to Cx. tarsalis or Cx. stigmatosoma. A mammalian host selection pattern most likely precluded detection of natural infection in Cs. incidens, a fairly abundant peridomestic species. In contrast, an avian host selection pattern and efficient vector competence resulted in repeated detection of WNV in Cx. thriambus; however, limited abundance and restrictive riparian larval habitat requirements would seem to limit the involvement of Cx. thriambus in WNV epidemiology.     

West Nile virus viremia in eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) sufficient for infecting different mosquitoes

In eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) inoculated intramuscularly with 101.5 to 105.7 PFU of West Nile virus (WNV), serum titers developed sufficient to infect Aedes triseriatus (Say), Ae. vexans (Meigen), and Culex pipiens (L.). Mean titers (95% confidence interval) of 8 chipmunks were 103.9(3.3-4.5), 106.7(6.4-7.0), and 105.8(4.1-7.5) PFU/mL on days 1-3 postinoculation (p.i.) and 105.8 PFU/mL in 1 chipmunk on day 4 p.i. Mean estimated days that WNV titers were >104.8 and >105.6 were 1.7 (1.1-2.3) and 1.4 (1.0-1.6). The longest period of viremia >104.8 PFU/mL was 3-4 days. WNV antigen was detected in the small intestine of 2 chipmunks and the kidneys of 4 chipmunks by immunohistochemistry. WNV also was detected in urine, saliva, and feces of some chipmunks. These data suggest chipmunks might play a role in enzootic WNV cycles and be an amplifying host for mosquitoes that could infect humans.     

Field comparison of Bermuda-hay infusion to infusions of emergent aquatic vegetation for collecting female mosquitoes

Field experiments were conducted in east-central Alabama in 2003 and 2004 to compare the attractiveness of selected gravid-trap infusions to ovipositing female mosquitoes. Comparisons were made among infusions of the following plants: Bermuda hay, Cynodon dactylon, and 3 species of emergent aquatic plants typical of Culex larval habitats, i.e., soft rush, Juncus effusus; a common sedge, Rhynchospora corniculata; and broad-leaf cattail, Typha latifolia. Experiments were conducted at a site in Lee County, AL, with an abundance of common nuisance mosquitoes, including Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus. Carbon dioxide-baited miniature light traps were operated concurrently with gravid traps to provide an activity index of mosquito species at the site. Gravid traps with hay infusion collected the greatest numbers of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Culex restuans females (2003). The results indicate that hay infusion is highly attractive to Cx. quinquefasciatus and is the infusion of choice for collecting females of this species in gravid traps. In the case of Ae. albopictus, infusions were not determined to be significantly different from one another in their attractiveness to gravid females. In general, females of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. restuans demonstrated selectivity when choosing an oviposition site, whereas Ae. albopictus females did not. Factors associated with the oviposition biology of the latter species most likely account for their lack of preference for any single infusion type.