Assessing the entomological risk of emergence of massive dengue, Zika and chikungunya outbreaks and preparing to improve control of Aedes vectors in Central Africa

Dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) are mosquito-borne viruses that exist in most tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide. The diseases caused by these viruses are transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquito vectors, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Formerly, in Central Africa DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV were reported only in rural areas, but since the invasion of Central Africa in the 2000s by Aedes albopictus, these diseases have emerged in urban areas in some countries in the region.

We plan to assess the impact of Aedes albopictus on the indigenous species such as Aedes aegypti and the epidemiological role of each species for dengue and Zika transmission. We will compare the geographical distribution and degree of infestation of Aedes aegypti and Ades albopictus, the level of natural infection of these mosquitoes, and the susceptibility to infection from dengue and Zika of both mosquito species. We will also characterise the susceptibility profile and resistance mechanisms to insecticides of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Central Africa.

This study will help assess the risk of massive outbreaks and develop strategies to control these diseases in Central Africa.

This grant was awarded under the scheme's previous name of Training Fellowships in Public Health and Tropical Medicine.