Review: Artificial container‐breeding mosquitoes and cemeteries: a perfect match

Abstract

Artificial container-breeding mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and Culex pipiens, are well-recognized vectors of diseases throughout the world. Cemeteries are considered major sources of mosquitoes and the results of more than 30 studies concerning mosquitoes in cemeteries have been published over the last decade. The characteristics of these environments in regard to the availability of resources for mosquito development were discussed. Also, studies about early detection of Aedes vectors, ecological issues, and mosquito control performed in cemeteries were reviewed. Among 31 mosquito species found breeding in cemeteries from 16 countries, the invasive Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were the most frequent ones. Species of the genus Ochlerotatus, Culex, Toxorhynchites, Culiseta, Armigeres, Lutzia, Uranotaenia, and Tripteroides were also reported. Overall, cemeteries are highly suitable habitats for artificial container-breeding mosquitoes due to the great availability of the different resources that they need (i.e. sugar substances, blood, shelter and water-filled containers). In addition, these places are mostly ideal settings to perform studies in urbanized areas because of high mosquito abundance, heterogeneity of macro- and microhabitats, and an easier access in comparison with private premises. However, the feasibility of a cemetery as a study area must be evaluated in each case considering the objectives of the study and cemetery characteristics.

Overcrowding Effects on Larval Development of Four Mosquito Species Aedes Albopictus, Aedes Aegypti, Culex Quinquefasciatus and Anopheles Stephensi

“…quinquefasciatus and An. stephensi prefers permanent large water bodies as breeding habitats while Aedes may breed in small temporary water containers (21,22). Consequently Aedes species have to be more adaptable against the stress, produced during competition for resources.…”

Diversity of Bacterial Communities in Container Habitats of Mosquitoes

“…Production of mosquitoes in human-made containers has been extensively investigated (see [12,47] for reviews), but comparatively little is known about the diversity of bacterial species in container habitats of mosquitoes, and most investigations have lacked substantial phylogenetic and taxonomic resolution of microbial communities. The majority of microbes in environmental samples cannot be cultured in laboratory media [31], and for this reason, cultivation-independent 16S rRNA surveys represent a powerful approach for characterizing natural microbial assemblages [2].…”

Comparing Community Socio-Demographic Profiles towards Dengue in Two Selected Areas in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia

“…In addition, it has been also proven that water tanks, drums and buckets are the water containers where 98 per cent of pupae are found [28]. Public facilities like cemeteries are also appropriate place for Aedes to breed [29].…”