Entomological Surveillance of Aedes Mosquitoes at the International Entry Points in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, 2025
Abstract
Background: The rapid spread of Aedes mosquitoes has raised global concerns about arboviral infections. Although West Azerbaijan Province holds significant ecological and geopolitical importance, it has received limited entomological research focused on the establishment and distribution of Aedes species.
Methods: From March to November 2025, we conducted an extensive entomological survey at ten international points of entry across West Azerbaijan Province. Our monitoring program included ovitrap surveillance, inspections of larval habitats and collections of adult mosquitoes. For each breeding site, environmental characteristics such as vegetation type, water quality, sunlight exposure and habitat stability were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27, applying binomial tests with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate species dominance and ecological associations.
Results: We collected a total of 1,789 mosquito specimens, of which 184 (10.3%) belonged to the genus Aedes. The majority of these were Aedes caspius s.l. (n=175), while a smaller number were Aedes flavescens (n=9). Approximately 85% of the habitats that tested positive for Aedes were natural environments and 70% of these were vegetated, typically containing clear, stagnant water. No evidence was found for the presence of Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus.
Conclusion: The dominance of Ae. caspius s.l. highlights its ecological adaptation to vegetated natural habitats. Although urban Aedes species were absent, the occurrence of Ae. caspius s.l. underscores the importance of continued ovitrap-based monitoring and site-specific habitat management. Sustainable and integrated surveillance programs in border areas are important for early detection of vector entry, given the potential for cross-border movements.
