Monitoramento e supressão massal de adultos de Aedes Aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) com a armadilha GAT e desenvolvimento de dispositivo antimosquito no município de Piumhi (MG)

Abstract

This study evaluated the use of the Gravid Aedes Trap (GAT), developed by the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in collaboration with James Cook University (Australia), as a tool for monitoring and controlling adult females of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), a vector of urban arboviruses of public health importance. Although recent studies have highlighted the GAT's potential for mass suppression of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, standardized protocols for its implementation as a vector control tool remain unavailable. In Chapter I, three passive traps (GAT, MosquiTRAP, and ovitrap) were compared in terms of their sensitivity for detecting Ae. aegypti during different seasonal periods in the municipality of Piumhi, Brazil. The ovitrap exhibited higher overall sensitivity, particularly in the rainy season; however, during dry and colder periods, there was no significant difference between the ovitrap and GAT, with the latter showing a negative correlation with maximum, minimum, and average temperatures, indicating its potential utility under limited breeding site availability. Chapter II assessed the efficacy of GAT in population suppression under varying trap densities (14–60 GAT/ha) and coverages (<50% or >60% of households), across five intervention phases (pre-intervention, initial and final suppression, initial and final post-intervention). Significant reductions in the Female Mosquito Index (IMFA) were observed in all GAT treatments compared to controls (Dunn's test, p < 0.05), with the most pronounced effect in the 2 GAT/block and >60% coverage arrangement (60 GAT/ha, p < 0.0001). Residual effects lasted up to 12 weeks after trap removal, with more prolonged suppression in higher density and coverage areas, while recovery was faster in areas with <50% coverage. Heat maps of confirmed dengue cases revealed no transmission within intervention areas and shifting hotspots to peripheral regions, suggesting a protective effect against virus circulation. Integrated analysis indicated that a minimum coverage of 40% and trap density of 14 GAT/ha already achieve a relevant suppression effect, with optimal performance at >60% coverage and 19 GAT/ha, particularly in winter when infestation levels are lower. Chapter III focused on the development and laboratory testing of four mosquito-proof drain prototypes (DAM-T, DAMTVC, DAM-B, and DAM-PF), tested in 100 mm and 150 mm diameters. Transparent devices (DAM-T and DAM-TVC) showed significantly higher efficacy in preventing Ae. aegypti escape (p < 0.0001). The combined use of GAT and physical barriers in domestic environments proved to be a cost-effective and synergistic strategy for vector control, enhancing the outcomes of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) programs. In conclusion, the strategic deployment of GAT during low-infestation periods, particularly in urban areas with infrastructure limitations, when combined with physical blockage of breeding sites such as drains, represents an innovative and effective approach for sustainable reduction of Ae. aegypti populations and mitigation of arbovirus transmission risk, offering technical support for public health policy development and entomological surveillance.