Diversity and Distribution of the Arthropod Vectors of the Gulf of Guinea Oceanic Islands

Abstract

AbstractThe known arthropod vector species on the Gulf of Guinea islands belong to orders Diptera and Ixodida. Among the Diptera, the family Culicidae (mosquitoes) has the most species, 34 (6 endemic), Ceratopogonidae has 13 (all in the genus Culicoides), Tabanidae has 6, and Simuliidae has 3 (1 endemic). Ixodida has only 4 species. Most vector species and associated diseases are shared with mainland Africa. Some of these include (1) the human malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii, (2) yellow fever and dengue vector Aedes aegypti, and (3) the spotted fever group rickettsiae and Q fever vector Amblyomma spp. However, there is a considerable lack of information on the natural cycles of many vector-borne diseases that might impact local fauna, for which there may be some endemic pathogen lineages. Increased trade by air and sea should compel authorities to remain vigilant, to keep unwanted vectors and diseases at bay. Entomological diversity data remains scarce for Annobón and for the forested interior of the islands, where future sampling efforts may uncover new endemic species.