RISK ASSESSMENT OF (RE)-EMERGING ARBOVIROSIS IN SOUTHERN EUROPE

Mosquito-borne diseases represent a significant public health concern worldwide, with pathogens such as arboviruses and filarial parasites posing substantial risks to both humans and animals. In Mediterranean regions, including Italy and Greece, the distribution and population dynamics of mosquito species are influenced by a range of ecological, environmental, and anthropogenic factors. Among the most prominent vectors in these areas are Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus, two species known for their role in the transmission of diseases like West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and filarial nematodes. Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution and ecological drivers shaping these mosquito populations is critical for effective vector control and disease prevention strategies. This study investigates the distribution, seasonal variation, species composition, and insecticide resistance profiles of mosquitoes in the Marche and Umbria regions of Italy and Crete. The pathogen screening specifically focuses on vector-borne diseases considered reemerging in Europe, namely filariosis and the two arboviruses WNV and USUV. Molecular analyses were employed to identify mosquito species, detect pathogen presence, and characterize insecticide resistance mutations, thereby elucidating the genetic and epidemiological aspects of vector populations. By analysing the relationships between temporal dynamics, habitat types, mosquito community composition, and pathogen circulation, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics governing mosquito populations and their potential as vectors of zoonotic diseases in these Mediterranean areas. Specifically, the study focuses on temporal shifts in mosquito abundance, pathogen cocirculation, and the prevalence of insecticide resistance mutations in Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus. Complementarily, a Self-Organizing Map (SOM) approach was used to identify distinct ecological patterns and key environmental drivers influencing the distribution of Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus, the two most abundant and epidemiologically relevant species in the study areas. This modelling framework enabled the exploration of how habitat type, climatic variables, and landscape features shape the spatiotemporal dynamics of these vectors. The analysis highlights the differing habitat preferences of Aedes albopictus, associated with urbanized and human-modified environments, and Culex pipiens, which displays broader adaptability to agricultural and semi-natural settings. Although the SOM model provides valuable insights into mosquito ecology, variations in predictive performance emphasize the need for further refinement to improve accuracy and address dataset limitations. The integration of molecular and ecological-modelling approaches provides a synergistic framework for understanding both the biological and environmental dimensions of vector ecology. This combined perspective is crucial for the development of region-specific vector control strategies that account for local ecological contexts, pathogen circulation, and the growing challenge of insecticide resistance. By addressing these interconnected factors, the study contributes to more targeted, evidence-based interventions aimed at mitigating the public health impact of mosquito-borne diseases in the Mediterranean region.