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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
10:35
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Monitoring vector-borne diseases: A study in Italy and Greece
Monica Falcinelli1, Claudia Damiani2, Konstantinos Mavridis3
1School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Mosquitoes like Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus carry viruses and parasites. This study monitored mosquito populations and pathogens in Italy and Crete, finding different viruses and nematodes in each region.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Medical entomology
- Pathogen surveillance
Background:
- Urbanization drives changes in mosquito populations and vector-borne disease transmission.
- Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus are significant vectors of arboviruses and filarial parasites in human-altered environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comparative entomological and pathogen surveillance in central Italy and Crete.
- To assess mosquito species composition, population dynamics, and arbovirus/filarial nematode circulation across different ecological contexts.
- To understand the influence of environmental drivers on mosquito communities and pathogen circulation.
Main Methods:
- Comparative entomological and pathogen surveillance conducted between 2022 and 2023.
- Mosquito collection and identification, focusing on species composition and population dynamics.
- Molecular screening for arboviruses (Usutu virus, West Nile virus) and filarial nematodes (Setaria, Dirofilaria repens).
Main Results:
- In Italy, Culex pipiens (~86%) and Aedes albopictus (~12%) dominated; Usutu virus and Setaria nematodes co-circulated in 2022. In 2023, West Nile virus Lineage 2 and Usutu virus co-circulated in Culex pipiens.
- In Crete, Culex species were dominant, with highest biodiversity in peri-urban areas. Dirofilaria repens was detected in Aedes albopictus; no West Nile virus or Usutu virus circulation was found.
- Significant temporal variations in mosquito diversity and frequency were observed in both regions.
Conclusions:
- Integrated, region-specific surveillance is crucial for understanding vector-pathogen dynamics.
- Environmental and ecological factors significantly impact mosquito community structure and pathogen circulation.
- Findings support evidence-based vector control strategies and public health decision-making.
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