Prevalence of Larval Breeding Sites and Seasonal Variations of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Makkah Al-Mokarramah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Since 1994, dengue fever (DF) transmission rates have increased significantly in Saudi Arabia (KSA). Climatic, geographic, and demographic conditions make KSA especially suitable for DF’s spread. Still, there are insufficient strategies for controlling the Aedes species that transmit DF virus (DENV). To develop effective management strategies, it is necessary to identify Aedes species and the ecological habitat of larvae in Makkah Al-Mokarramah, KSA. We conducted a longitudinal survey of Aedes mosquitoes in 14 localities from January 2015 to December 2015. World Health Organization (WHO) inspection kits for larvae were used to detect and sample larvae, along with pictorial keys. A total of 42,981 potential Aedes larval breeding sites were surveyed. A total of 5403 (12.6%) sites had at least one water source positive for Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) mosquitoes. Among the total of 15,133 water sources surveyed within the sampled sites, 1815 (12.0%) were positive for Aedes aegypti. Aedes aegypti was the only Aedes species identified in the course of the survey. The presence of such a large immature population may indicate an imminent outbreak of DF in the near future unless proper implementation of control and elimination of Aedes aegypti are undertaken. Additionally, the adaptation of Aedes aegypti to the arid climate of Makkah needs further investigation.

Detection of Dengue Virus From Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) in Field-Caught Samples From Makkah Al-Mokarramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Using RT-PCR

“…We previously conducted a longitudinal survey of Aedes mosquitoes in 42,981 potential Aedes larval breeding sites in Makkah, KSA. We found a sizeable immature population and adaptation of Ae aegypti to the arid climate of Makkah ( 6 ). The objectives of the current study were to screen a sample of Ae aegypti mosquitoes from Makkah, KSA for DENV to identify the magnitude of DENV circulation in the Ae aegypti mosquito population among both adult and offspring mosquitos.…”

“…As many pilgrims come from endemic regions, dengue has been introduced into the Hajj and Umrah regions, including three major cities: Makkah, Jeddah and Al-Madinah. Furthermore, internal factors, including ecological changes, urbanization, and human behaviors that increase breeding sites, facilitate the spread of Ae aegypti ( 5 , 6 ). All three cities in the Hajj and Umrah regions have had major dengue outbreaks from time to time ( 7 – 9 ).…”

Recent Advances in Methods Detecting the Dengue Virus

“…In addition, internal variables, such as environmental factors, industrialization, and human activities that promote breeding sites, help the spread of the mosquito vector. 24,25 All of these cities have seen large dengue epidemics on occasion. 22,26 The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) documented 3350 instances of DENV infections in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2009, with a case fatality rate of 4.6 per 1000 (https:// ghdx.healthdata.org/record/saudi-arabia-healthstatistical-yearbook-2018).…”

Isolation and Identification of Local Soil Bacteria with Larvicidal Activities Against Aedes aegypti Larvae

“…Its success is dependent upon the nature of the environment such as water scarcity areas and densely populated areas without basic hygiene (Honório et al, 2009). A. aegypti is very common, widely distributed, and endemic in the city of Makkah (Ali et al, 2021). The life cycle of the vector takes about 7 to 10 days for the eggs to mature into adults.…”

“…The life cycle of the vector takes about 7 to 10 days for the eggs to mature into adults. To prevent the spread of DF by A. aegypti, there is a need to understand its activity and control the growth of the vector and eliminate its breeding environment to reduce the larval population of the mosquito (Ali et al, 2021). Controlling the vector that transmits the disease can stop the transmission of the viral pathogens responsible for the disease.…”