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September 10, 2025Tropical Medicine & International Health0 citations

Molecular Identification and Genotyping of Dengue Virus and Its Vector Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected From the Red Sea Region, Egypt During 2023–2024

MRMagda H. Rady AAAsmaa Ammar MSMohamed Salama

Key Points

Dengue virus RNA was detected in 13 out of 1330 Aedes aegypti samples, indicating active virus circulation.
Molecular analysis confirmed all specimens as Aedes aegypti with specific genetic markers enhancing surveillance accuracy.
Peak dengue viral activity occurred in December 2023, suggesting potential environmental effects on transmission opportunities.
Geographic variation in serotype distribution underscores the need for targeted control measures in affected districts.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Dengue fever poses a significant public health threat in tropical regions, with Aedes aegypti as the primary vector. This study investigated dengue virus prevalence and serotype distribution in field‐collected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes across the Red Sea governorate during 2023–2024. Methods A surveillance study was conducted across five districts (Shoaib, Al‐Garf, Al‐Owaina, Al‐Odwa and Al‐Ashraaf) from April 2023 to March 2024. A total of 1330 adult females Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were organised into 133 pools for molecular analysis. Molecular identification using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and internal transcribed spacer 2 markers were used to assure the presence of Aedes vector. Dengue virus RNA detection employed nested RT‐PCR with serotype‐specific amplification. Results All specimens were confirmed as Ae. aegypti with characteristic cytochrome oxidase I (714 bp) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (313 bp) amplification products and morphological examinations. Dengue virus RNA was detected in 13 adults out of 1330 females from all visited districts, with total MIR estimated as 0.97. Al‐Odwa district showed the highest infection rate (1.3) followed by Shoaib (0.83), Al‐Owaina and Al‐Garf (1), while Al‐Ashraaf had the lowest percentage (0.4). Peak viral activity occurred in December 2023 across all districts, with no summer detections (June–September 2023). Three serotypes circulated in our habitat: DENV‐2 (all five districts), DENV‐1 (four districts) and DENV‐3 (Al‐Odwa only). DENV‐4 was absent. Four districts showed DENV‐1/DENV‐2 co‐circulation, while Al‐Odwa uniquely harboured DENV‐2/DENV‐3. Conclusion This study demonstrates active dengue virus circulation in Red Sea governorate with distinct spatial–temporal patterns. The identification of three co‐circulating serotypes with geographic variation highlights regional epidemiological complexity. Seasonal patterns suggest that environmental influences affect transmission dynamics, providing crucial baseline data for targeting surveillance and control strategies.

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