Study on Ovitrap Surveillance and Molecular Phylogeny of Dengue Vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) based on Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) Genes from Different Habitat Types of North Eastern, India

Abstract

Background: Larval surveillance plays a crucial role in monitoring dengue vector surveillance. Conventional vector indices have failed in monitoring vector abundance and risk of transmission. Ovitrap surveillance and molecular phylogeny study were conducted.Materials and Methods: Ovitrap surveillance was carried out using different ovitrap indices which correlate with environmental parameters. Phylogeny study was carried out using mtCOI genes, as morphological characterization of mosquitoes lacks accuracy to characterize closely related species.Results: Findings revealed that Aedes albopictus was dominant over Aedes aegypti in ovitrap placement locations. Temperature, rainfall, and habitat types serve as major factors contributing to variations in ovitrap indices. Molecular phylogeny revealed that the isolates form distinct groups, clustering separately, which indicates polymorphisms in genes among the isolates and signifies sequence diversity of mt COI genes in Aedes mosquito species, differing geographically, which further differentiates a population and brings new identity.Conclusion: The study helps in measuring the population status of dengue vector abundance, forecasting dengue outbreaks, and serves as a powerful indicator to adopt different control measures.

Keywords: Aedes aegypti; Aedes albopictus; Polymorphisms; Population