Joint influence of architectural and spatiotemporal factors on the presence of Aedes aegypti in urban environments.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Urbanization has led to the proliferation of high-rise buildings, which have substantially influenced the distribution of dengue vectors, such as Aedes aegypti (L.). However, knowledge gaps exist regarding the individual and combined effects of architectural and spatiotemporal factors on dengue vector. This study investigated the interrelationship between Ae. aegypti presence, building architectural features, and spatiotemporal factors in urban environments. RESULTS: The mosquito Ae. aegypti presence varied by location and seasons, being higher in outdoor environments than in indoor environments. Lingya (Kaohsiung City, Taiwan) had the highest mosquito numbers, particularly in basement and first floor areas. Ae. aegypti was found on multiple floors within buildings, and their presence was greater in summer and autumn. The XGBoost model revealed that height within a building, temperature, humidity, resident density, and rainfall were key factors influencing mosquito presence, whereas openness had a relatively minor impact. CONCLUSION: To effectively address the problems caused by urbanization, the three-dimensional distribution of Ae. aegypti, including their spatial distribution across heights and areas within the urban environment, must be considered. By incorporating these multiple factors, this approach provides valuable insights for those responsible for urban planning and disease management strategies. Understanding the interplay between architectural features, environmental conditions, and the presence of Ae. aegypti is essential for developing targeted interventions and mitigating the adverse impacts of urbanization on public health. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.