Invasion of forested areas in Gabon (Central Africa) by the Asian tiger mosquito and the potential consequences from the One Health perspective

Aedes albopictus, the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, has extended its range into remote forested areas of Gabon, including the Lopé-Okanda UNESCO World Heritage Site, raising concerns about zoonotic pathogen transmission. Research from 2014 to 2018 revealed that while Ae. albopictus is significantly more abundant near human settlements, it also colonizes forest galleries up to 15 km away, particularly at anthropized-sylvatic interfaces. Egg deposition decreased with distance from the forest fringe, suggesting its role as a bridge vector between wild and anthropogenic environments. The study used ovitraps, larval surveys, BG-Sentinel traps, and human landing catches along an anthropization gradient to assess colonization patterns, highlighting potential spillover risks for dengue, chikungunya, and Zika under a One Health framework.

Obame-Nkoghe, J., Roiz, D., Ngangue, M.-F., Costantini, C., Rahola, N., Jiolle, D., Lehmann, D., Makaga, L., Ayala, D., Kengne, P., & Paupy, C. (2022). Invasion of forested areas in Gabon (Central Africa) by the Asian tiger mosquito and the potential consequences from the One Health perspective. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.08.23.504969