Review of mosquitoes in Ireland and of relevant mosquito-borne pathogens

Throughout history, human societies have been greatly affected by mosquitoes and mosquito-borne pathogens such as malaria and yellow fever. On the other hand there have also been reciprocal effects as mosquito populations have been impacted by major societal changes such as agricultural intensification, urbanisation and international trade and travel, causing ever shifting patterns of disease exposure and epidemics. In contrast to continental Europe, mosquito-borne pathogens have not been a major concern in Ireland for many decades. However, the emergence of new invasive mosquito species and the changing epidemiology of mosquito-transmitted diseases in Europe calls for a re-evaluation of the species that occur here. This review provides an overview of the biology of mosquitoes, the species that occur in Ireland and exotic species that are currently expanding their geographical range in Europe. The most important pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes and their current status in Europe and Ireland are also discussed.