Use of sticky traps for surveillance of Aedes aegypti and targeting vector control measures in Sincelejo, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. Entomological surveillance of adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes provides better risk indicators than in immature stages.
Objective. To determine the usefulness of MosquiTRAP traps for A. aegypti surveillance and the targeting of vector control and dengue prevention measures in Sincelejo, Colombia.
Materials and methods. Forty-nine MosquiTRAP traps were installed during six months to capture gravid females of A. aegypti in two neighborhoods with historical reports of dengue cases. Entomological indices were calculated and the frequency of infection by Dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses in the captured mosquitoes was estimated. The percentages of approval and adherence to the traps were evaluated, risk maps were made taking into account the abundance of mosquitoes and areas were identified for the possible targeting of interventions.
Results. A total of 1,475 mosquitoes were captured, 99.1% corresponded to A. aegypti, with a trap positivity index between 85.7% and 42.9% per inspection, and the Means Female Aedes index of 2 and 3 mosquitoes for house. There was evidence of A. aegypti infestation in both neighborhoods; however, there were hotspots with high abundance. There was no molecular evidence of viral infection in the captured mosquitoes.
Conclusions. MosquiTRAP traps are useful for A. aegypti surveillance as a potential tool to guide vector control measures and prevention of diseases transmitted by this mosquito.