Department of Health, Multan Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Abstract: Aedes species are recognized as vectors for a variety of viral diseases. Aegypti and Albopictus are the two species to disseminate viruses that cause Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, West Nile fever, and encephalitis most frequently. In current study, habitat characters of both species were premeditated by collecting Aedes larvae from the potential breeding sites and calibrated the physical and chemical characteristics of breeding sites. Aedes aegypti was found to be more broader range species in terms of the parameters studied. Maximum population of both species was found from clear-foul type of water along with other types including turbid-foul, turbid and clear. Both species were generally present in colorless water and least presence was observed in muddy water. EC range for Aedes aegypti was 268-9802 and for Aedes albopictus it was 430-6876. Similarly, pH range was 7.9-12.6 and 7.3-10.6 for both species respectively. TDS range was 134-4901 and 215-2630, water temp. range was almost similar for both species. Aegypti was dominant in urban dwellings while Albopictus was overriding in rural settings. It is pertinent to mention that at one place among 266 Aedes larvae positive sites, both the species were found to be cohabiting. The water quality was clear-foul, EC 2186, pH 9.5, and TDS 1093. Coinhabiting of both species was observed at rural area in an indoor breeding site. Current findings suggest that selection of mosquito breeding habitats by Aedes mosquitoes is significantly influenced by physical and environmental factors. These preferences might be used to create novel methods of preventing oviposition. and eventually overcoming the disease burden.
