Autor(es): Gratz N G

Resumo: The mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), originally indigenous to South-east Asia, isl-s of the Western Pacific - Indian Ocean, has spread during recent decades to Africa, the mid-east, Europe - the Americas (north - south) after extending its range eastwards across Pacific isl-s during the early 20th century. The majority of introductions are apparently due to transportation of dormant eggs in tyres. Among public health authorities in the newly infested countries - those threatened with the introduction, there has been much concern that Ae. albopictus would lead to serious outbreaks of arbovirus diseases (Ae. albopictus is a competent vector for at least 22 arboviruses), notably dengue (all four serotypes) more commonly transmitted by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.). Results of many laboratory studies have shown that many arboviruses are readily transmitted by Ae. albopictus to laboratory animals - birds, - have frequently been isolated from wild-caught mosquitoes of this species, particularly in the Americas. As Ae. albopictus continues to spread, displacing Ae. aegypti in some areas, - is anthropophilic throughout its range, it is important to review the literature - attempt to predict whether the medical risks are as great as have been expressed in scientific journals - the popular press. Examination of the extensive literature indicates that Ae. albopictus probably serves as a maintenance vector of dengue in rural areas of dengue-endemic countries of South-east Asia - Pacific isl-s. Also Ae. albopictus transmits dog heartworm Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy) (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in South-east Asia, south-eastern U.S.A. - both D. immitis - Dirofilaria repens (Raillet & Henry) in Italy. Despite the frequent isolation of dengue viruses from wild-caught mosquitoes, there is no evidence that Ae. albopictus is an important urban vector of dengue, except in a limited number of countries where Ae. aegypti is absent, i.e. parts of China, the Seychelles, historically in Japan - most recently in Hawaii. Further research is needed on the dynamics of the interaction between Ae. albopictus - other Stegomyia species. Surveillance must also be maintained on the vectorial role of Ae. albopictus in countries endemic for dengue - other arboviruses (e.g. Chikungunya, EEE, Ross River, WNV, LaCrosse - other California group viruses), for which it would be competent - ecologically suited to serve as a bridge vector.

Imprenta: Medical and Veterinary Entomology, v. 18, n. 3, p. 215-227, 2004

Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1111/j.0269-283X.2004.00513.x

Descritores: Chikungunya virus - Arbovirus ; Chikungunya virus - Flaviviridae ; Chikungunya virus - Pathogenesis ; Chikungunya virus - Viral infections ; Chikungunya Virus - Virus ; Chikungunya virus - Transmission ; Chikungunya virus - Dengue ; Chikungunya virus - Epidemiology ; Chikungunya virus - Public health

Data de publicação: 2004