Assessing the Spatial Dynamics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Eldorado, Misiones: A Maximum Entropy Algorithm Approach Using Satellite Image Data

MIA ELISA MARTIN; STEIN MARINA; SANGERMANO FLORENCIA; ALONSO, ANA C.; ELIZABET LILIA ESTALLO

International Journal of Remote Sensing and Remote Sensing Letters

Taylor and Francis Ltd.

Año: 2024

2150-704X

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are vectors of numerous arboviruses of public healthimportance. These species coexist in the city of Eldorado, Misiones, Argentina. In thisstudy, Ecological Niche Modeling was used to estimate the potential distribution of these species with the objective of identifying the potential exposure to diseases carried by thisvector. The relationship between species presence data from 2016 to 2018, and environmental variables from satellite images, was identified using Maximum Entropy.Two seasons were considered: autumn-winter and spring-summer. This study is the firstone to characterize the concordant distribution of the two vector species in the subtropical region and the first model of the potential distribution of Ae. albopictus of the country. The results indicate that the habitat suitability for both species did not differ significantly,found mainly around the urban and suburban areas. The predictor variables thatcontributed the most to the models were related to the urban environment, and includeddistance to impervious surfaces, vegetation index, and presence of vegetation, among others. In turn, suitability did not vary much between seasons, indicating that Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus could remain active throughout the year. The maps generated in this study constitute a support tool for the management of planning, surveillance, and control of these vectors.