Presenter: Rosa Flores
Authors: Rosa Flores, Christian Riordan
Faculty Advisor: Vinodh Chellamuthu
Institution: Dixie State University
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical/subtropical regions causing millions of infections each year. Dengue is caused by any of the four serotypes of the dengue virus. Several studies have shown that secondary infections have increased morbidity rates. Dengue is mainly transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (AEM). The transinfection of AEM with the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis has emerged as a “successful” method to reduce dengue virus transmission while minimizing environmental harm. Despite this control method in place the persistence of dengue virus is continuing to infect individuals worldwide. Studies indicate that incorporating a natural predator of the AE larvae such as the Toxorhynchites Splendens (TxS) larvae can help control the population of the AEM and aid in the control of Dengue. We have developed a mathematical model by incorporating both primary and secondary infection of two serotypes of the virus and utilizing two control strategies: Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes and the Introduction of TxS larvae. Furthermore, our simulations show intervention strategies that might be useful in controlling Dengue based on the temperature dependency.