Abstract

NINO, Larry. Use of the function semivariogram and kriging estimation in the spacial analysis of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) distributions. Biomédica [online]. 2008, vol.28, n.4, pp.578-586. ISSN 0120-4157.

Introduction. Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue in the Americas. The prevention and control of this disease require new monitoring techniques for this mosquito. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal distributions of A. aegypti populations allow the planning and evaluation of measures to decrease the vector-human contact. Objective. The spatial variation pattern of the A. aegypti container index (defined as the percentage of artificial containers infested with A. aegypti larva) was analyzed for the purpose of developing a graphical representation. Materials and methods. Larval surveys were undertaken in every household of La Independencia neighborhood in May 2007 (Acacías-Meta). Spatial statistics employing the semivariogram function and kriging estimations were applied to these data. Results. The experimental semivariogram output was adjusted to the gaussian mathematical model, whose sill was calculated to be 5.1, the range as 57.1 meters and the nugget as 0.01. A bidimensional graph of the kriging estimation was built, allowing the identification of the urban areas with highest container index. Conclusion. The analysis of the container index and distribution map provided a useful tool in monitoring, evaluating and making control decisions concerning A. aegypti infestations.

Keywords : Aedes aegypti; models, statistical; epidemiological surveillance; disease vectors; risk map; Colombia.

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