Changes in infestation sites of female Aedes aegypti in Northeast Brazil

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION:

We report the behavioral changes in use of oviposition sites in Aedes aegypti in Fortaleza, Brazil.

METHODS:

We evaluated the relationship between different types of breeding sites and changes in use from 2001 to 2012.

RESULTS:

More than 40% of the infested breeding sites were used to store water. We observed a three-fold reduction in the infestation of water tanks (p = 0.038) and more than nine-fold in tires (p = 0.035). The proportion of infested plant pots increased six-fold (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Infested breeding sites changed over time from domestic water tanks to small-volume breeding sites.

Keywords:
Oviposition; Aedes aegypti; Prevailing reservoir