Population Genetics of Vector Mosquitoes Determines Endemic Zones of Dengue Fever - A Case Study on Aedes Aegypti & Aedes Albopictus in Ecologically Distinct Eco Zones of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.

Abstract

Introduction: Three ecologically distinct eco zones in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala were discovered to have considerably varied corresponding distributions of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Objectives: The intended objective of the current study was to determine the shifting patterns of spread of dengue in connection with a microhabitat analysis of many Thiruvananthapuram city locations based on the vector density of mosquito species that are connected.

Methods: Mosquito populations were assessed using several indices: the House Index (HI) was over 10%, indicating a high dengue transmission risk in all zones.

Results: The Container Index (CI) was also high across the zones, suggesting increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. According to the Breteau Index (BI), urban and suburban areas were classified as low-risk, while the coastal zone was high-risk. Aedes aegypti  was most abundant in the coastal zone, while Aedes albopictus  dominated the hilly, arid suburban zone. In the city, both species were found in roughly equal numbers. According to a study on Molecular Analysis, Type 1 was the most prevalent of the four dengue serotypes. The high frequency of dengue fever in the urban zone may be due to the abundance of microhabitats in Thiruvananthapuram that sustain Aedes aegypti.

Conclusions: The study found distinct distributions of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Thiruvananthapuram, with Ae. aegypti dominating the coastal zone and linked to higher dengue cases, confirming it as the main dengue vector. Mosquito population indices showed high transmission risk across all zones, influenced by seasonal breeding behavior and socioeconomic factors like more breeding sites in households, highlighting the need for targeted vector control strategies.