Spatio-Temporal distribution of mosquito species Aedes albopictus: the associated health risk and an assessment of the effectiveness of control interventions in Italy

In their tiny sizes, arthropod crawl or fly in huge numbers and diversity often unnoticed around us. How many of these little terrestrial companions have been splattered without us hearing a single desperate scream of agony would be forever unknown. However, not all of them go unnoticed, their lives being put under the microscope of science and curiosity. Unravelled by scientists, the connections between humans and some of this species could be deep and unfortunately at human disadvantage. Sometimes the discovery of an ecological or epidemiological link happens almost by chance and surrounded by incredulity. Take as an example the mosquito, at present known to be responsible for the transmission of deadly diseases such as Malaria or Yellow Fever, but initially few would have thought or investigate it as the vector of these dreadful health problems. Indeed, several species of mosquitoes feed on human and as unpleasant as it already is, it is even worse. These itchy bites are often the entry point for numerous pathogens and viruses as discovered by the remarkable work of pioneers such as Ross and many others. Their research and sacrifices ought to be never forgotten and are still strikingly relevant nowadays. The study of arthropod that are competent in transmitting zoonotic disease or that impacts human health is the research field of Medical Entomology, a fascinating discipline that unravels the darkest secrets and beautiful complexity of nature. This thesis aims to contribute in this field by advancing the current knowledge about the mosquito species Aedes albopictus, its distribution and its impact on public health also providing an assessment of the commonest control strategies employed against i