Unravelling the distribution of vectors of major vector-borne diseases in Koshi Province of Nepal: A concern of expansion in diverse geo-ecological and climatic regions
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Background
Vector-borne diseases, being major public health concerns, are either slated for elimination or projected for control in Nepal. One of the major challenges in controlling these VBDs is to halt their emergence and expansion in diverse geo-ecological and climatic regions. In this study, we collected vectors of major VBDs to understand their distribution, diversity, and association with ecological variances.
Methodology/Principal findings
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect the vectors in five districts situated at altitudes of up to 98 – 1,274 meters in Koshi Province, Eastern Nepal, representing three distinct geo-ecological and climatic regions: mountain, hills and lowlands during May and June 2023. Adult vectors were captured using CDC miniature light traps, BG sentinel traps, and manual aspirators. Association of vectors’ abundance in function of the geo-ecological and climatic variables was assessed in two vector species ( Culex quinquefasciatus and Phlebotomus argentipes ). We found the malaria vector Anopheles annularis , the lymphatic filariasis vector Cu. quinquefasciatus and visceral leishmaniasis vector Ph. argentipes from all three geo-ecological regions. The other vectors of the malaria parasite, An. pseudowillmori and An. willmori , and Japanese encephalitis vector Cu. tritaeniorhynchus were recorded from hilly districts only. Mean temperature and rainfall had positive effect on Cu. quinquefasciatus density and deleterious on Ph. argentipes. Culex quinquefasciatus and Ph. argentipes were captured in high abundance per household in hills (IRR = 1.23 and IRR = 13.00, respectively) and mountain (IRR = 1.96 and IRR = 4.00, respectively) as compared to lowland.
Conclusion
Two major vectors, Cu. quinquefasciatus and Ph. argentipes were indiscriminately present in all geo-ecological regions. Climatic variables favour vectors’ survival, distribution and growth in diverse altitudes, including areas previously impervious to the vectors and VBDs. Our findings alert the VBD control program and suggest regular monitoring, strengthening the existing surveillance system and evidence-based planning and implementation of vector control interventions in wider geo-ecological regions to prevent the disease transmission.
Authors Summary
The Government of Nepal is committed to eliminate and control major vector-borne diseases: malaria, visceral leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, Japanese encephalitis and dengue as a public health problem by 2030. These diseases, once endemic to lowlands with tropical and subtropical climates only, have been spread to a wide geography, including hills and mountains. These high-altitude areas were considered unsuitable for the existence of vectors and transmission of pathogens. Considering the impact of climate change on founding a favorable environment for the establishment of viable populations of vectors for pathogens transmission and thus threatening all the efforts of VBDs control and elimination, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to explore the diversity of vectors in varied geo-ecological regions. We collected vectors from five districts situated at different altitudes and having fairly diverse geography. Major vectors of responsible of transmission of pathogens causing VL and LF were abundantly present in all geo-ecological regions, while vectors of malarial parasites and dengue virus were sparsely present in fewer areas. This study also examined the feasibility of the integrated vector survey in favour of maximising the available resources for entomological investigations. Further, this study provides updated information on the diversity of the vectors in the areas having cases of VBDs and suggests authorities for regular monitoring, strengthening the existing surveillance system and evidence-based planning and implementation of vector control interventions to prevent the disease transmission in wider geo-ecological regions.
