Distribution and abundance of 'Aedes aegypti' and 'Aedes albopictus' (diptera: Culicidae) in Benin, West Africa

• Published in: Tropical medicine and infectious disease Vol. 8; no. 9; pp. 1 - 17
• Main Authors: Padonou, Germain Gil, Konkon, Alphonse Keller, Salako, Albert Sourou, Zoungbédji, David Mahouton, Ossè, Razaki, Sovi, Arthur, Azondekon, Roseric, Sidick, Aboubakar, Ahouandjinou, Juvénal Minassou, Adoha, Constantin Jesukèdè, Sominahouin, André Aimé, Tokponnon, Filémon Tatchémè, Akinro, Bruno, Sina, Haziz, Baba-Moussa, Lamine, Akogbéto, Martin Codjo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland MDPI 01.09.2023; MDPI AG
• Subjects: abundance; Adults; Aedes aegypti; Aedes albopictus; Benin; biting behaviour; Climate; Dengue fever; Diseases; distribution; Eggs; Evaluation; Global positioning systems; GPS; Methodology; Mosquitoes; Polyethylene; Seasons; Tropical diseases; Zika virus; Benin; Central Africa; Nigeria; West Africa
• ISSN: 2414-6366; 2414-6366
• DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090439

Updated information on the distribution and abundance of 'Aedes aegypti' and 'Aedes albopictus' is crucial to prepare African countries, such as Benin, for possible arboviral disease outbreaks. This study aims to evaluate the geographical distribution, abundance and biting behaviour of these two vectors in Benin. Three sampling techniques were used in this study. The collection of 'Aedes' spp. adults were made through human landing catch (HLC), immatures were captured with the use of ovitraps, and a dipping technique was used for the collection of 'Aedes' spp. in 23 communes located along the North-South and East-West transect of Benin. Adult 'Aedes' mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors using HLC. Mosquito eggs, larvae and pupae were collected from containers and ovitraps. The adult mosquitoes were morphologically identified, then confirmed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overall, 12,424 adult specimens of 'Aedes' spp. were collected, out of which 76.53% (n = 9508) and 19.32% (n = 2400) were morphologically identified as 'Ae. aegypti' and 'Ae. albopictus', respectively. Geographically, 'Ae. aegypti' was found across the North-South transect unlike 'Ae. albopictus', which was only encountered in the southern part of the country, with a great preponderance in Avrankou. Furthermore, an exophagic behaviour was observed in both vectors. This updated distribution of 'Aedes' mosquito species in Benin will help to accurately identify areas that are at risk of arboviral diseases and better plan for future vector control interventions.