Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 111-123 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 114 showing a broader range of studies across different diseases. This distribution underscores the importance of targeted research efforts in regions most affected by specific mosquito-borne diseases and reflects the varying levels of public health prioritization and resource allocation across countries. 3.2 Seasonal variations and climatic influences Seasonal variations and climatic factors play a crucial role in the transmission dynamics of mosquito-borne diseases. Temperature, precipitation, and humidity are key determinants of mosquito population dynamics and virus transmission rates (Mordecai et al., 2019; Jones et al., 2020b). Warmer temperatures can extend the transmission season and increase the geographic range of these diseases, particularly in high-altitude and temperate regions (Colón-González et al., 2021). Climate change is expected to exacerbate these trends, leading to an increase in the population at risk and the length of the transmission season for diseases like malaria and dengue (Franklinos et al., 2019). In southern Europe, for example, climatic conditions such as temperature and precipitation have been identified as significant risk factors for the distribution of mosquito vectors and the potential emergence of diseases (Brugueras et al., 2020). 3.3 Socioeconomic and demographic factors Socioeconomic and demographic factors significantly influence the prevalence and distribution of mosquito-borne diseases. Lower-income neighborhoods often have higher mosquito densities and disease transmission rates due to inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation, and higher population densities (Perrin et al., 2022). In the United States, for instance, lower-income urban areas are exposed to higher mosquito burdens and associated diseases compared to higher-income areas (Yitbarek et al., 2023). Additionally, rapid urbanization and unplanned expansion contribute to the proliferation of mosquito breeding sites, further exacerbating the spread of diseases (Kolimenakis et al., 2021). 3.4 Urban vs. rural prevalence The prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases varies between urban and rural areas, with urbanization playing a significant role in disease dynamics. Urban areas, characterized by high population densities and artificial geographical spaces, provide ideal conditions for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, leading to higher transmission rates of diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya (Kraemer et al., 2019). Conversely, rural areas may experience different patterns of disease transmission, influenced by factors such as proximity to natural water bodies and lower population densities (Grillet et al., 2010). However, the impact of climate change is expected to increase the risk of disease transmission in both urban and rural settings, with rural areas potentially experiencing greater increases in climatic suitability for diseases like malaria and dengue (Colón-González et al., 2021). 4 Transmission Dynamics and Vector Ecology 4.1 Life cycle of mosquitoes The life cycle of mosquitoes, particularly those of the Aedes and Culex genera, plays a crucial role in the transmission dynamics of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes undergo four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity significantly influence the development and survival rates at each stage. For instance, higher temperatures can accelerate the development of immature stages, thereby increasing the population density of adult mosquitoes (Jones et al., 2020b; Chandrasegaran et al., 2020). Additionally, urbanization and the creation of artificial water bodies provide breeding sites that facilitate the proliferation of mosquito populations (Kolimenakis et al., 2021). 4.2 Vector competence and capacity Vector competence refers to the intrinsic ability of a mosquito to acquire, maintain, and transmit a pathogen, while vector capacity encompasses the overall efficiency of a mosquito population in transmitting a disease. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are primary vectors for arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, demonstrating high vector competence for these viruses (Kain et al., 2022). The vectorial capacity is influenced by factors such as mosquito density, biting rate, and the extrinsic incubation period of the pathogen within the mosquito (Smith et al., 2014). Studies have shown that urban heat islands can affect these parameters by altering
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