Problems posed by the spread of Aedes albopictus
Rodhain, F.
Bulletin de la Societe de Pathologie Exotique 89(2): 137-40; discussion 140-1
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-9085 PMID: 8924772 Document Number: 465902
Aedes albopictus originates from Asia, and is known as a natural vector of dengue in south east Asia. For about 10 years, A. albopictus has been spreading all around the world. It was introduced into the Americas: USA, Mexico, Brazil, Barbados and the Dominican Republic; into some Pacific islands such as Solomons, Fiji and Australia; into Africa in Nigeria; and finally into Europe: Italy and Albany. These introductions were made primarily through imported tyres containing eggs and/or larvae of A. albopictus. The international tyre trade plays a significant role in the dispersal of A. albopictus. Furthermore, this mosquito has a broad ecological spectrum and has found suitable conditions in both tropical and temperate countries. In some situations in the Americas, A. albopictus has displaced A. aegypti. The spread of A. albopictus is of great concern because it has been shown experimentally to be able to transmit several arboviruses and filarial worms.