Nationwide Inventory of Mosquitoes and the Distribution of Invasive Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894) on the Islands of Sao Tome and Principe in Central Africa.

Simple Summary: Mosquito surveys conducted in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe during 2000 to 2016 as a part of anti-malaria programs found the presence of four species of mosquitoes in the nation including Culex (Culex) poicilipes, Mansonia (Coquillettidia) annetti, Uranotaenia (Uranotaenia) alboabdominalis, and Uranotaenia (Uranotaenia) fraseri for the first time. Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) was identified in 2015, and the follow-up survey confirmed that Aedes albopictus has become widespread across the nation. The larvae were predominant in artificial water-holding containers, with a positive rate up to 45.6% in used tires in Príncipe, while the native species, Aedes aegypti, preferred natural breeding sources. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial DNA revealed the introduced populations belonged to a clade involved in the worldwide spread of the species. Aedes albopictus is a public health threat due to its vectorial capacity for various arboviruses. Continuous vector surveillance and implication of interventions, such as source reduction to remove used tires, environmental management, and use of larvicides, were suggested. Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), a mosquito originating in Asia, has been introduced to Africa since the 2000s. The mosquito is not only a nuisance but is capable of transmitting various arboviruses. The current study summarized our entomological surveys in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe during 2000 to 2016. Adult mosquitoes were collected by sweep nets, human landing catches, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps, and the immatures were collected from water-filled habitats at 15 sentinel sites and reared to adulthood. Species identification was performed based on morphologic characteristics. Fragments of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) and the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) genes were amplified for mosquitoes collected in Principe. New records of four mosquito species were reported. Aedes albopictus was identified in 2015. The larvae were found distributed over the nation and were predominately in artificial water-holding containers (488/2698, 18.1%). The highest positive rate was observed in used tires in Príncipe (114/250, 45.6%). Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed low genetic diversity among the invasive populations, but all tested specimens were superinfected by Wolbachia. The ability of Ae. albopictus to adapt to new environments and its involvement in disease transmission make the surveillance and control of this species particularly important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]