Could land cover influence Aedes aegypti mosquito populations?

Abstract

Aedes aegypti is mainly found in urban environments, where human activity guarantees the permanent availability of potential larval habitats. The present study aimed to test for a possible association between Ae. aegypti infestation and land cover classes. From 23 February to 22 May 2015, immature mosquitoes (except eggs) were sampled in artificial containers identified in dwellings in Córdoba city, Argentina. The proportion of each land cover class was determined by SPOT-5 (Satellites Pour 1'Observation de la Terre or Earth-observing Satellites) image classification. Generalized linear models were developed to assess a suite of predetermined hypotheses and identified cover class variables associated with Ae. aegypti infestation. Arboreal vegetation was identified as the land cover with the greatest relative importance, negatively associated with Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. More infestation was find in areas with less arboreal vegetation, which corresponds to more urbanized areas.