The Spatial Ecology of Larval Mosquitoes in Haiti Público
Augusma, Micah (Spring 2021)
Published
Abstract
Abstract
The Spatial Ecology of Larval Mosquitoes in Haiti
By Micah J Augusma
Background: Previous research has identified strong associations between land use (deforestation, irrigation, and degenerative land use and farming practices) and vector-borne disease transmission. In Haiti, subsistence farming practices, land tenure, and ineffective irrigation systems have drastically changed the ecological landscape, and have led to land fragmentation, biodiversity reduction, and natural habitat disturbances—all factors that affect vector breeding habitats, behaviors, and human contact rates. Our multi-lateral analysis attempts to determine the effects of these factors on mosquito larvae and any ensuing associations.
Methods: Locations of 5,295 mosquito larval sampling sites in Haiti were mapped and assessed. Individual site data was linked with covariate factors to estimate their effects on mosquito larvae. Thereafter, statistical software was utilized to examine means, distribution variables, intervariable correlation, and pivot tables and the corresponding variables to the land cover. GeoDa and SatScan were used to apply the Local Indicator of Spatial Association (LISA), the Local Join Count (LJC), and Kulldorff’s scan statistics to evaluate the site location for significant clustering of mosquito presence and species presence and abundance.
Results: In total, 2,650 sites positive sites were identified. The average density was highest for Culex with a density of 86.6 larvae per dip (LPD) followed by Anopheles at 73.9 LPD. Density for pupae populations was found to be inconsequential with an average value of 1.0 pupa per dip. Average larval density was highest in the coastal department of Nippes. Anopheles average density was found to be 611.9 LPD while Culex and pupa levels remained at 613.0 LPD and 609.1 LPD, respectively. LISA and LJC results detected a trend of positive spatial clustering in the southern Sud and Nippes departments for both species. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed three larval presence clusters moving through the country during the rainy season.
Conclusions: Our study found that there are significant high-risk areas of mosquito larvae in urbanized and farmland areas within Haiti. The results suggest that removing likely habitats for larvae and adult mosquitoes can help reduce larvae exposure, adult mosquito bite risk, and general susceptibility for the Haitian people.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
CHAPTER I - GENERAL BACKGROUND..........1
Global Burden of Vector-Borne Disease..........1
Socio-economic Burden of Vector-Borne Disease..........3
Recent Trends in Vector-Borne Disease..........6
Vector-Borne Disease Alleviation and Prevention Efforts..........7
CHAPTER II - VECTOR BORNE DISEASE IN HAITI..........10
Vector-Borne Disease Burden..........10
Effects of Agricultural Irrigration, Soil Erosion, and Land Use..........12
Mosquito-Borne Diseae Prevention and Control Efforts..........14
CHAPTER III - MATERIALS AND METHODS..........17
CHAPTER IV - RESULTS.......... 20
CHAPTER V- DISCUSSION.......... 23
CHAPTER VI - PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS.......... 27
REFERENCES..........29
TABLES AND GRAPHS..........34
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