Dynamics and Diversity of Culex Mosquitoes in Kesinga Block, Kalahandi during Summer and Rainy Seasons

Abstract

The present study investigated the seasonal abundance and species composition of Culex mosquitoes as potential vectors of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and other arboviral diseases in the Kesinga block of Kalahandi district, Odisha, India. Lymphatic filariasis remains a major vector-borne disease, endemic in 72 countries across Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and parts of the Americas, with a projected global burden of approximately 39.18 million cases by 2030 and a slightly higher prevalence in males than females. Mosquito collections were carried out bimonthly during the summer and rainy seasons, encompassing the first and last weeks of each month. A total of 197 adult Culex mosquitoes were collected, comprising 103 males and 94 females. The highest abundance was recorded in August (35), followed by May (31), March (30), July (27), April (26), and June and September (24 each). Three species were identified: Culex gelidus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Culex vishnui, with population fluctuations influenced by environmental variables. Although relative humidity showed a negative correlation(r=-0.041) with mosquito abundance in this study, such relationships vary regionally. The findings emphasize the necessity for continued surveillance focusing on species-specific population trends, expanded spatial coverage, long-term monitoring, and molecular investigations to identify pathogen presence and local disease transmission dynamics, particularly relating to lymphoedema.