DENV-2 Circulation and Host Preference Among Highly Anthropophilic, Outdoor-Biting <i>Aedes aegypti</i> in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

DENV-2 Circulation and Host Preference Among Highly Anthropophilic, Outdoor-Biting <i>Aedes aegypti</i> in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

In Tanzania, dengue outbreaks have occurred almost annually over the past decade, with each new outbreak becoming more severe. This study investigated the prevalence of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in the wild <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and their blood sources to determine human exposure risk...

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Main Authors: Frank S. C. Tenywa, Silvan Hälg, Haji Makame, Jason Moore, Osward Dogan, Harubu I. Mapipi, Jane J. Machange, Nasoro S. Lilolime, Lorenz M. Hofer, Lewis D. Batao, Tunu G. Mwamlima, Pie Müller, Sarah J. Moore
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Viruses
Subjects:
DENV
dengue fever
traps
blood feeding
longitudinal survey
serotypes
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/6/818
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Summary:In Tanzania, dengue outbreaks have occurred almost annually over the past decade, with each new outbreak becoming more severe. This study investigated the prevalence of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in the wild <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and their blood sources to determine human exposure risk in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A two-year longitudinal survey was conducted in the Ilala, Kinondoni, and Temeke districts of Dar es Salaam to sample <i>Ae. aegypti</i> mosquitoes using Biogents Sentinel trap (BGS), Prokopack aspiration, and Gravid Aedes trap (GAT). Collected mosquitoes were pooled in groups of 10 and tested for DENV1–4 serotypes using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Blood meal sources were identified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of 854 tested pools, only DENV-2 was detected and was found in all three districts: Temeke (3/371 pools), Ilala (1/206 pools), and Kinondoni (1/277 pools). Blood meal analysis showed a strong preference for humans (81%) as well as for mixed blood meals that contained human blood and other hosts (17%). Out of 354 collected hosts seeking <i>Ae. aegypti</i>, 78.5% were captured outdoors and 21.5% indoors. This study confirms the circulation of DENV-2 in <i>Ae. aegypti</i> populations, indicating a potential dengue outbreak risk in Tanzania. This study also demonstrates that xenomonitoring may be feasible in this setting. The mosquitoes’ strong preference for human hosts and predominance in outdoor settings pose challenges for dengue control efforts.
ISSN:1999-4915

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