River boats contribute to the regional spread of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti in the Peruvian Amazon.

摘要: Background and Objectives The dramatic range expansion of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti is associated with various anthropogenic transport activities, but little known about underlying mechanisms driving this geographic expansion. We longitudinally characterized infestation different vehicle types (cars, boats, etc.) to estimate frequency intensity mosquito introductions into novel locations (propagule pressure). Methods Exhaustive adult immature Ae. collections were performed on six at five ports two bus/ taxi departure points in Amazonian city Iquitos, Peru during 2013. Aquatic vehicles included 32 large 33 medium-sized barges, 53 water taxis, 41 speed boats. Terrestrial sampled 40 buses 30 taxis traveling only highway region. rates indices analyzed by type, location within vehicles, sampling date. Results Large barges (71.9% infested) medium (39.4% accounted for most infestations. Notably, had an overall rate 12.5%. On greatest number adults found October, whereas immatures February followed October. The vast majority larvae (85.9%) pupae (76.7%) collected produced puddles formed cargo holds. Conclusions Because larges provide suitable habitats (due dark, damp storage spaces ample oviposition sites), we conclude that they likely serve as significant contributors mosquitoes’ propagule pressure across long distances throughout Peruvian Amazon. This information can help anticipate population mixing future expansions other viruses transmitted aegypti.