Does winter cold really limit the dengue vector Aedes aegypti in Europe?

Parasites & Vectors

Bodo Ahrens¹  Aljoscha Kreß²  Christian Scherer²  Doris Klingelhöfer²  Parbati Phuyal²  David A. Groneberg²  Ruth Müller²  Isabelle M. Kramer²  Ulrich Kuch²  Meghnath Dhimal³ 

[1] Institute for Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, Goethe University;Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University;Nepal Health Research Council;

关键词: Cold hardiness;    Distribution limits;    Cold tolerance;    Overwintering;    Phenotypic plasticity;    Sub-zero exposure;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13071-020-04054-w

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Aedes aegypti is a potential vector for several arboviruses including dengue and Zika viruses. The species seems to be restricted to subtropical/tropical habitats and has difficulties in establishing permanent populations in southern Europe, probably due to constraints during the winter season. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the cold tolerance (CT) of Ae. aegypti in its most cold-resistant life stage, the eggs. Methods The CT of Ae. aegypti eggs was compared with that of Ae. albopictus which is well established in large parts of Europe. By systematically studying the literature (meta-analysis), we recognized that CT has been rarely tested in Ae. aegypti eggs, but eggs can survive at zero and sub-zero temperatures for certain exposure periods. To overcome potential bias from experimental differences between studies, we then conducted species comparisons using a harmonized high-resolution CT measuring method. From subtropical populations of the same origin, the survival (hatching in %) and emergence of adults of both species were measured after zero and sub-zero temperature exposures for up to 9 days (3 °C, 0 °C and − 2 °C: ≤ 9 days; − 6 °C: ≤ 2 days). Results Our data show that Ae. aegypti eggs can survive low and sub-zero temperatures for a short time period similar to or even better than those of Ae. albopictus. Moreover, after short sub-zero exposures of eggs of both species, individuals still developed into viable adults (Ae. aegypti: 3 adults emerged after 6 days at − 2 °C, Ae. albopictus: 1 adult emerged after 1 day at − 6 °C). Conclusions Thus, both the literature and the present experimental data indicate that a cold winter may not be the preventing factor for the re-establishment of the dengue vector Ae. aegypti in southern Europe.

【 授权许可】

Unknown