Spatial inference of Culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the Netherlands using citizen science
Abstract Background The expanding geographical spread of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) has intensified the need for effective mosquito surveillance. Additional surveillance, particularly of species such as Culex pipiens, is essential as this species is a key vector of West Nile and Usutu viruses. C...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Parasites & Vectors |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-06774-3 |
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| author | Ayat Abourashed Catuxa Cerecedo-Iglesias Martha Dellar John R. B. Palmer Frederic Bartumeus |
| author_facet | Ayat Abourashed Catuxa Cerecedo-Iglesias Martha Dellar John R. B. Palmer Frederic Bartumeus |
| author_sort | Ayat Abourashed |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The expanding geographical spread of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) has intensified the need for effective mosquito surveillance. Additional surveillance, particularly of species such as Culex pipiens, is essential as this species is a key vector of West Nile and Usutu viruses. Citizen science offers an innovative approach to monitoring Cx. pipiens populations. Methods Our study utilized data from the Mosquito Alert mobile app to model the spatial distribution and abundance of Cx. pipiens and mosquito bites during the summer of 2021 in the Netherlands. Using generalized linear mixed models, climatic and non-climatic factors were analyzed to create two distribution models of adult Cx. pipiens and mosquito bites as outcomes. Results Population density, income, and agricultural areas (P ≤ 0.007) were identified as key determinants for both models. Blackbird population density, precipitation, and the interaction between artificial surfaces and temperature were also covariates for the Culex model, whereas sand and tree coverage were determinants for the bite model. The study controlled for biases in sampling effort to ensure robust predictions, revealing higher Cx. pipiens abundance in the central eastern areas of the country and widespread mosquito biting activity across the Netherlands. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of sociodemographic and environmental factors in mosquito distribution and biting dynamics, with citizen science emerging as a valuable tool for enhancing traditional surveillance. Future research integrating longer temporal datasets and human behavioral factors will further improve predictive accuracy and support more effective MBD prevention efforts. Graphical Abstract |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7c95a01f1dcd4c01b9d99bef9bff59fb |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1756-3305 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Parasites & Vectors |
| spelling | doaj-art-7c95a01f1dcd4c01b9d99bef9bff59fb2025-08-20T01:47:33ZengBMCParasites & Vectors1756-33052025-04-0118111310.1186/s13071-025-06774-3Spatial inference of Culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the Netherlands using citizen scienceAyat Abourashed0Catuxa Cerecedo-Iglesias1Martha Dellar2John R. B. Palmer3Frederic Bartumeus4Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical CenterCentre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC)DeltaresDepartment of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu FabraCentre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC)Abstract Background The expanding geographical spread of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) has intensified the need for effective mosquito surveillance. Additional surveillance, particularly of species such as Culex pipiens, is essential as this species is a key vector of West Nile and Usutu viruses. Citizen science offers an innovative approach to monitoring Cx. pipiens populations. Methods Our study utilized data from the Mosquito Alert mobile app to model the spatial distribution and abundance of Cx. pipiens and mosquito bites during the summer of 2021 in the Netherlands. Using generalized linear mixed models, climatic and non-climatic factors were analyzed to create two distribution models of adult Cx. pipiens and mosquito bites as outcomes. Results Population density, income, and agricultural areas (P ≤ 0.007) were identified as key determinants for both models. Blackbird population density, precipitation, and the interaction between artificial surfaces and temperature were also covariates for the Culex model, whereas sand and tree coverage were determinants for the bite model. The study controlled for biases in sampling effort to ensure robust predictions, revealing higher Cx. pipiens abundance in the central eastern areas of the country and widespread mosquito biting activity across the Netherlands. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of sociodemographic and environmental factors in mosquito distribution and biting dynamics, with citizen science emerging as a valuable tool for enhancing traditional surveillance. Future research integrating longer temporal datasets and human behavioral factors will further improve predictive accuracy and support more effective MBD prevention efforts. Graphical Abstracthttps://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-06774-3Citizen scienceMosquito surveillanceSpecies distribution modelCulex pipiensHost–vector interactionMobile application |
| spellingShingle | Ayat Abourashed Catuxa Cerecedo-Iglesias Martha Dellar John R. B. Palmer Frederic Bartumeus Spatial inference of Culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the Netherlands using citizen science Parasites & Vectors Citizen science Mosquito surveillance Species distribution model Culex pipiens Host–vector interaction Mobile application |
| title | Spatial inference of Culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the Netherlands using citizen science |
| title_full | Spatial inference of Culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the Netherlands using citizen science |
| title_fullStr | Spatial inference of Culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the Netherlands using citizen science |
| title_full_unstemmed | Spatial inference of Culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the Netherlands using citizen science |
| title_short | Spatial inference of Culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the Netherlands using citizen science |
| title_sort | spatial inference of culex pipiens abundance and biting activity distribution in the netherlands using citizen science |
| topic | Citizen science Mosquito surveillance Species distribution model Culex pipiens Host–vector interaction Mobile application |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-06774-3 |
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