Importance of selection of Mosquito (Diptera, Culicidae) collection and survey methods for vector surveillance programs

Author: Tamar Chunashvili
Co-authors: Tamar Chunashvili
Keywords: Mosquito, vector surveillance, species diversity, pathogen discovery, country of Georgia
Annotation:

Worldwide millions and hundreds of thousands of deaths are recorded annually due to the transmission of pathogens by arthropod vectors. Vector-borne diseases cause great economic and social damage to the world, especially in regions where public health resources are scarce and disease prevention and treatment are not possible. Along with climate change, arthropods also expand their range and increase the risk of spreading diseases. In many parts of the world, adult mosquitoes being very annoying pests, are also carriers of serious diseases. Mosquitoes transmit various viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens to humans and animals. Clinical symptoms of diseases caused by different pathogens vary from moderate to severe and sometimes fatal. Mosquito species of Georgia, their distribution and biology, associated pathogens are not well studied. Systematic and thorough surveillance of vectors and the diseases they carry is vital for disease prevention and control. It is necessary to carry out a continuous monitoring program in order to timely assess the potential danger, develope and implement its elimination methods. There are many methods of mosquito sample collection. The selection of collection methods should be made by considering the bioecology of the research object and in accordance with the research objectives. A surveillance program should use an integrated approach and different methods to maximize the number and species diversity of collected mosquitoes.