Dynamical mapping of Anopheles darlingi densities in a residual malaria transmission area of French Guiana using remote sensing and meteorological data

Local variations in abundance of Anopheles mosquitoes and exposure to their bites are keys to explain the spatial and temporal malaria transmission heterogeneity. Vector distribution is itself driven by environmental factors.... [ view full abstract ]

Local variations in abundance of Anopheles mosquitoes and exposure to their bites are keys to explain the spatial and temporal malaria transmission heterogeneity. Vector distribution is itself driven by environmental factors. Based on variables derived from satellite imagery and meteorological observations, this study aims to dynamically model and map the densities of Anopheles darlingi in the municipality of Saint-Georges de l’Oyapock (French Guiana).
Longitudinal sampling sessions of An. darlingi densities were implemented between September 2012 and October 2014. In parallel, appropriate satellite imagery and meteorological data were selected and processed in order to extract a panel of variables potentially related to An. darlingi bio-ecology. Based on these data, a robust methodology was implemented to elaborate a statistical predictive model of the space – time variations of the An. darlingi densities in Saint-Georges de l’Oyapock. The final cross-validated model integrated two remotely sensed landscape variables, the dense forest surface and the built surface together with four meteorological variables related to the absence of rainfall, the maximal evapotranspiration, the minimal and maximal temperature. The extrapolation of the model allowed generating predictive weekly maps of the An. darlingi densities at a 10-meters resolution.
Results from the present research support the use of satellite imagery and meteorological data to predict the malaria vector densities. Such fine scale modeling approach provides tools for health authorities to plan control strategies and social communication in a cost-effective, targeted and timely manner.