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A new study from Penang Island, Malaysia, finds that the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is adapting to indoor environments, a factor that could increase vector–host contacts and the population density of the vector, thereby potentially increasing the diseases spread by this
vector.
The study suggests that Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are capable of changing their behaviour to reproduce efficiently inside the home — in flower vases, sinks, paint cans and other containers that hold stagnant water.
The study showed the indoor-adapted mosquitoes had a longer lifespan and completed more reproductive cycles than outdoor-breeding
mosquitoes.
Asian tiger mosquitoes spread dengue viruses, chikungunya, yellow fever, and encephalitis viruses. These mosquitoes are linked to a rare U.S. outbreak of dengue fever in May 2009.
Source
Dieng H, Saifur
RGM, Hassan AA, Salmah MRC, Boots M, Satho T, et
al
Indoor-breeding of Aedes albopictus in Northern Peninsular Malaysia and its potential epidemiological
implications. PLoS ONE 2010, 5:e11790. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011790
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(MDN)
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