Influence of social and environmental factors for Culex quinquefasciatus distribution in Northeastern Brazil: a risk index

Int J Environ Health Res. 2023 Dec;33(12):1580-1590. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2109603. Epub 2022 Aug 11.

Abstract

Culex quinquefasciatus is a vector of lymphatic filariasis. One important component in planning filariasis control activities is the mapping of vector distribution. A tool that involves socio-environmental factors and Cx. quinquefasciatus density can contribute to the identification of areas that should be prioritized in surveillance actions. This is an ecological study based on the construction and validation of a risk score of urban areas according to social and environmental variables extracted from a national database. Based on this stratification, female Cx. quinquefasciatus were captured. In total, 30,635 Cx. quinquefasciatus were captured, of which 17,161 (56%) were females. The highest vector density index of mosquitoes were captured in households located in the high-risk stratum and the indicator proved to be a tool that identified an association between social and environmental conditions and areas with the highest vector density index of females Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Keywords: Culex quinquefasciatus; lymphatic filariasis; vector control.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Culex*
  • Female
  • Male

Supplementary concepts

  • Culex quinquefasciatus