Mosquitoes of western Uganda

Area of Science:

• Medical entomology
• Vector-borne disease ecology
• Arthropod-borne virus research

Background:

• Mosquito fauna in western Uganda is largely unstudied, hindering assessment of arthropod-borne virus risks.
• Previous Bwamba County studies are over 40 years old, necessitating updated species lists.
• Paucity of entomological data impedes effective public health strategies against arboviruses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the mosquito species composition in previously unsurveyed areas of western Uganda.
• To update existing mosquito species lists for Bwamba County.
• To assess the potential risk of arbovirus transmission based on collected mosquito species.

Main Methods:

• Mosquitoes were collected using CO2-baited light traps from 2008–2010 at five sites: Mweya, Sempaya, Maramagambo, Bwindi (BINP), and Kibale (KNP).
• A total of 67,731 mosquitoes were captured and identified to species, subspecies, or species group level.
• Species diversity was calculated using the Simpson's Diversity Index (1-D).

Main Results:

• A total of 88 mosquito species, 7 subspecies, and 7 species groups in 10 genera were identified.
• Sempaya yielded the highest number of species (65), while Bwindi (BINP) showed the highest species diversity (1-D = 0.85).
• Six species were found at all five sites, indicating significant variation in species composition across locations. Four new species and one subspecies were recorded in Bwamba County.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first description of mosquito species composition for Mweya, Maramagambo, BINP, and KNP.
• The presence of over 50 species implicated in arbovirus transmission indicates a high potential for arbovirus maintenance and spread in western Uganda.
• Findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and control strategies to mitigate arbovirus risks in the region.