Review on Culex quinquefasciatus: Southern House Mosquito

Abstract

Diseases caused by mosquitoes have been a threat all around the globe since ages and humans have been coping with the disease spread in various possible ways. Mosquitoes are ectoparasites, which are vectors to numerous of diseases caused in humans as well as animals, and birds. Through the diseases they carry, it may lead to severe illness and even death. Culex quinquefasciatus is one of the mosquito species, which is a potential vector of several arboviruses like West Nile virus (WNV), Rift Valley fever virus, avian pox and protozoa like Plasmodium relictum, which causes bird malaria. This mosquito exists throughout the tropics and the lower latitudes of temperate regions. Also, it can transmit several other arboviruses in the laboratory conditions. The present study is an attempt to review the bioecology, medical importance, and impact of phytoextracts on the life of Culex quinquefasciatus. It acts as an important bridge since it bridges between different reservoir/amplifier hosts to humans because of its encounter with different vertebrates. It also forms an ecological bridge between the urban, periurban and rural areas, which leads to its presence and adaptability in diverse ecological conditions. Emerging as a smart vector because of the features like-adaptive fitness, ecological plasticity, invasive behaviour and high reproductive potential, this mosquito possesses the necessary capability for disease transmission by establishing an effective vector-host transmission cycle for diverse pathogens in variable environments. Thus, in the changing ecological conditions also this mosquito might enhance its epidemiological importance in the near future as a smart vector even for those pathogens, which are presently not even having any public health importance. Hence, studies are being made to find out and prepare plants based environment friendly formulations in order to target this organism because this species may develop resistance to the chemical insecticides due to its high resistivity and adaptability. Key-wordsCulex quinquefasciatus, Smart vector, Plasmodium relictum, Southern house mosquito INTRODUCTION Mosquitoes are vector agents that cause diseases by transmitting the virus and parasite from one person to another [1] . Mosquitoes are the major public health pests and are vectors for many diseases, such as malaria and West Nile Virus [2] . Culex is a genus of mosquito which acts as a vector for many humans, animals as well as birds. The genus is found to be of worldwide occurrence. Mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for significant global morbidity and mortality. Culex mosquitoes, especially Culex quinquefasciatus are the chief vectors of Wuchereria bancrofti that cause a disease known as bancroftian filariasis. This disease is common in many regions of the world including the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean countries [3] . C. quinquefasciatus may also cause protozoan, viral, parasitic and helminthic diseases. Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: