Research and development

Projects Carried Out · Present Projects · Collaboration with other groups · Publications

Study of the Culicidae fauna of the Baix Llobregat

The mosquito fauna of the Baix Llobregat was studied during the years 1991 and 1992. This study was the first of its kind since the sixties, and allowed us to record up to 18 species. One of the species, Coquillettidia buxtoni, was recorded only for the second time in the whole of Spain. The study was presented as the author's MSC degree.


Analysis on the accuracy of larval Culex pipiens sampling methods

This study sought to determine the most suitable larval sampling method for this species. Breeding places are often recovered by dense vegetation which makes it really difficult to sample populations. In this study, several well-known sampling tools were tested and statistically analyzed for accuracy and repeatability.

Physiological aspects of Culex pipiens

A physiological study of Culex pipiens adults was carried out during 1991 and 1992. The gonotrophic status of females captured by CO2-baited traps was assessed over all the year. Some all-night catches were performed in order to determine the peak activity hours for this species.

PhD work: Analysis of two ecological forms of Culex pipiens

Larvae from several breeding places of this species were sampled over one year, and raised in the insectary. The adults were subjected to physiological analysis such as autogeny and stenogamy determination, as well as morphological and genetic analysis. Once the ecological characteristics and water quality analyses of the breeding places were pooled to these data, the ecological and taxonomic issues were discussed in a PhD work.

Larval Culex pipiens resistance to organophosphates

Larval samples from all over the area were analyzed in 1994 and subsequent years to determine, via bioassays, resistance to Temephos and other organophosphorous compounds. Additionally, the frequencies of genetic factors coding for insecticide resistance were also assessed.

Efficiency of ground ULV larvicidal applications

A ULV application machine was tested to apply the commonly-used larvicides B.t.i. and Temephos. The test demonstrated that in steady atmospheric condition a 100% larvicidal control using Temephos could be obtained up to a distance of 50 meters when simulating real field conditions.

Laboratory and field tests on the efficiency of Bacillus sphaericus against Culex pipiens larvae

In this study the efficiency of this product on Culex pipiens larvae was assessed in the working conditions of the Baix Llobregat, that is, heavy organic pollution combined with dense vegetation. The laboratory LC50 as well as the optimum field dosages were determined.

Analysis of the Canine Heartworm disease in the Baix Llobregat

This is a worldwide, mosquito-transmitted disease. During the summer of 1994 blood samples were taken form a number of dogs in rural areas and the mosquitoes captured were dissected, to determine the prevalence of the disease and the percentage infection of the vectors, respectively. It was shown that in the study area between 5 and 35 % of the dogs were infected.

Efficiency of certain pesticides against the bug Oxycarenus lavaterae

Several pesticides belonging to the most common product families were tested in the laboratory against Oxycarenus lavaterae, a true bug belonging to the family Lygeidae. The results allowed a more efficient control in certain periurban areas where these insects constituted a serious nuisance.

Susceptibility of Culex pipiens larvae to Temephos and B. sphaericus

During recent seasons this species' larval susceptibility to both Temephos and B. sphaericus has been routinely determined in the laboratory, as part of a research project. These tests will be continued in forthcoming years using several larval samples, some of which will be genetically analyzed through starch gel electrophoresis in order to monitor the resistance gene dynamics.

Entomological aspects of malaria transmission in Mozambique

As cooperation between the Baix Llobregat Council and the International Center of Health, Hospital Clínic/IDIBAPS, an entomological study has been carried out in Mozambique. This study has determined the anopheline population and the vectorial transmission rates in Manhiça, rural area in the country.

Studies on the phlebotomines of the Baix Llobregat

Sand flies are a group of Psychodidae responsible for the transmission of canine leishmaniosis. This study aims to monitor the species composition and abundance in the Baix Llobregat over the period of a year.

Detection of the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus

In August 2004, the MCS detected by first time in the Iberian Peninsula, the exotic mosquito Aedes albopictus in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona. This rather bothering mosquito has spread from its original location to other places in Catalonia.

Study of the conditions for the transmission of Malaria in Catalonia

This analysis involves the collaboration of all three MCS in Catalonia to determine the local conditions hypothetically required for the transmission of malaria. The key areas are vector availability, climatic change factors, and Anopheles atroparvus vector competence for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. This work is supported by the Catalan Government.

Surveillance of the presence of the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus

The spread of the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is surveilled in the network of the of arbovirus and arthropods research EVITAR organized by the Research Institute Carlos III, with participation of different organizations such the Baix Llobregat Council. This mosquito is originary of Asia and has reached the Americas, and many other counties including Italy, France and since 2004, Spain. The surveillance is made with mosquito traps and by the regular inspection of used tire dumps.

Monitoring of Bluetongue potential vectors

In cooperation with the Veterinarian Research Center CReSA and with participation of different organizations such other mosquito control services, the MCS is participating in the monitoring of potential vectors of Bluetongue. This cattle disease is transmitted by insects belonging to Culicoides genera. Our MCS participate in the captures of vectors in farms of the region.