The ecological and epidemiological consequences of reproductive interference between the vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

ABSTRACT: Vector ecology is integral to understanding the transmission of vector-borne diseases, with processes such as reproduction and competition pivotal in determining vector presence and abundance. The arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus compete as larvae, but this mechanism is insufficient to explain patterns of coexistence and exclusion. Inviable interspecies matings-known as reproductive interference-is another candidate mechanism. Here, we analyse mathematical models of mosquito population dynamics and epidemiology which include two Aedes-specific features of reproductive interference. First, as these mosquitoes use hosts to find mates, reproductive interference will only occur if the same host is visited. Host choice will, in turn, be determined by behavioural responses to

SUBMITTER: Paton RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6685014 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature