Aedes albopictus Mosquito: The Main Vector of the 2007 Chikungunya Outbreak in Gabon
2009

Aedes albopictus Mosquito: The Main Vector of the 2007 Chikungunya Outbreak in Gabon

Sample size: 13802 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Pagès Frédéric, Peyrefitte Christophe N., Mve Médard Toung, Jarjaval Fanny, Brisse Sylvain, Iteman Isabelle, Gravier Patrick, Nkoghe Dieudonné, Grandadam Marc

Primary Institution: Institut de médecine tropicale du Service de santé des armées, Marseille, France

Hypothesis

Is Aedes albopictus the primary vector responsible for the 2007 Chikungunya outbreak in Libreville, Gabon?

Conclusion

Aedes albopictus was identified as the main vector for the Chikungunya virus during the 2007 outbreak in Gabon.

Supporting Evidence

  • Aedes albopictus was found to be more susceptible to the Chikungunya virus than Aedes aegypti.
  • The study confirmed that Aedes albopictus was the primary vector during the outbreak.
  • Chikungunya virus was isolated from Aedes albopictus mosquitoes collected during the study.

Takeaway

Scientists found that a type of mosquito called Aedes albopictus was the main bug spreading a sickness called Chikungunya in Gabon.

Methodology

The study involved trapping mosquitoes in Libreville and conducting laboratory experiments to assess their ability to transmit the Chikungunya virus.

Limitations

The study could not clarify the role of Aedes aegypti in Chikungunya transmission due to low capture numbers.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004691

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