Systematics of Aedes Mosquito Project.
Abstract
Biosystematic studies, which lead to the precise identification of vectors, are fundamental to any investigation of epidemiology and to the planning of control or eradication. These studies enable recognition of the vector(s); further study of the ecology and habits of the vectors; and effective diffusion of information about vectorial capacity, resistance to insecticides, geographic distribution, etc. Many instances of failure to control diseases resulting from vector-borne pathogens can be traced to neglect of this aspect of research in entomology. The Systematics of Aedes Mosquito Project (SAMP) was developed to perform biosystematic research on medically important mosquitoes to meet the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command's requirements for accurate identification of actual or potential mosquito vectors of pathogens of man in Africa. During this period the project was begun with work toward a revisionary study of the subgenus Stegomyia (genus Aedes) of the Afrotropical Region as the primary objective. Initial research was focused on studying specimens of the Africanus and Simpsoni species complexes. These complexes contain species that are important vectors of Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, Rift Valley Fever and Zika viruses. During a recent field trip to Cameroon and Kenya in the early part of 1983 numerous specimens were collected, mostly as reared series. Other specimens were borrowed from the Division of Vector Borne diseaes (DVBD), Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya, during the field trip to Cameroon and Kenya.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA191592
Entities
People
- Wayne N. Mathis
Organizations
- Smithsonian Institution