Use of ovitrap surveillance to investigate the abundance & distribution of dengue vectors in Barkatullah University, Bhopal

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the distribution and abundance of Aedes sp. Mosquitoes in Barkatullah University, Bhopal. Methods: Ovitraps were randomly placed in the university campus. The sampling was completed after 10 independent trips. For each trip 30 ovitraps were installed and recovered after 7 days, but they all are examined daily from the next day of installation. Results: The mixed infestation of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was observed in campus area. The abundance of Aedes population was indicated by Ovitrap index (OI) which ranged from 40% - 89.28% and the Mean number of larvae per ovitrap which ranged from 3. 35 - 10.60. In this study, ovitrap data indicated Ae. albopictus were dominant species in all the trips compared to Ae. aegypti populations. Although the presence of Aedes aegypti population ranged from 16.07% - 24.48%, whereas the presence of Aedes albopictus population ranged from 75.51% - 83.92%. Conclusion: This study indicates that ovitrap is a sensitive, fast, more efficient tool to attract gravid females of mosquitoes to oviposit, and also to detect the presence of Aedes mosquitoes as compared to larval survey.