title: Mathematical modelling of mosquito dispersal in a heterogeneous environment.
abstract: Mosquito dispersal is a key behavioural factor that affects the persistence and resurgence of several vector-borne diseases. Spatial heterogeneity of mosquito resources, such as hosts and breeding sites, affects mosquito dispersal behaviour and consequently affects mosquito population structures, human exposure to vectors, and the ability to control disease transmission. In this paper, we develop and simulate a discrete-space continuous-time mathematical model to investigate the impact of dispersal and heterogeneous distribution of resources on the distribution and dynamics of mosquito populations. We build an ordinary differential equation model of the mosquito life cycle and replicate it across a hexagonal grid (multi-patch system) that represents two-dimensional space. We use the model to estimate mosquito dispersal distances and to evaluate the effect of spatial repellents as a vector control strategy. We find evidence of association between heterogeneity, dispersal, spatial distribution of resources, and mosquito population dynamics. Random distribution of repellents reduces the distance moved by mosquitoes, offering a promising strategy for disease control.
authors.affiliation: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland. angelina-m.lutambi@unibas.ch
authors.forename: Angelina Mageni
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Lutambi
authors.forename: Melissa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Penny
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Nakul
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chitnis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D009033:Culicidae / Q000254:growth & development*; D017753:Ecosystem; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000254:growth & development*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011157:Population Dynamics