STANDARDIZED PROTOCOL FOR THE SAMPLING AND MONITORING OF VECTOR DIPTERANS IN RAPELD PLOTS

Abstract

Assessing the occurrence and diversity of vectors is essential for understanding their dissemination and for planning the surveillance and prevention of diseases and epidemics. Among the most diverse groups of vectors, dipterans stand out, particularly the families Culicidae, Ceratopogonidae, Psychodidae, and Simuliidae, which include vectors of several diseases that have impacted human health for millennia. In this paper, we propose a protocol for assessing vector biodiversity using the RAPELD method. We suggest using two CDC traps per plot, activated for two consecutive nights. We also describe adaptations if the protocol is intended for all four mentioned families or a methodological simplification that excludes Culicidae. In addition, we briefly describe the method for assessing infection, diversity, and parasitemia of the collected dipterans. We suggest that applying this method on a large geographic scale will provide a better understanding of vector biodiversity and its determining factors.