This study, led by Juan José Bustillos Herrera, adjunct researcher at CISeAL, comprehensively analyzed entomological and virological surveillance in areas with active dengue transmission in the province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador, between June 2023 and September 2024, with the aim of assessing the epidemiological importance of Aedes aegypti and the recent presence of Aedes albopictus. Based on extensive sampling that included the inspection of more than 55,000 households and the collection of 3,918 mosquito specimens at both adult and immature stages, a clear predominance of Aedes aegypti was observed, accounting for more than 90% of the analyzed specimens, thus confirming its central role as the primary dengue vector in the area. Molecular analysis using RT-qPCR detected exclusively DENV-1 and DENV-2 serotypes in Aedes aegypti pools, with a positivity rate of 33.69%, while Aedes albopictus, although already established in the territory, showed no infection with any of the arboviruses screened. Entomological indices, particularly the Breteau Index, revealed high levels of infestation in several urban and rural parishes, identifying localities with high entomological risk, especially Chigüilpe, Río Verde, Río Toachi, Santo Domingo, and Zaracay.
The predominance of breeding sites associated with large-capacity water storage containers reflected structural conditions that favor vector proliferation, particularly in contexts of limited or intermittent access to potable water. Spatial analysis showed the co-circulation of DENV-1 and DENV-2 in key urban parishes such as Río Verde and Santo Domingo, increasing epidemiological risk and reinforcing the need for targeted interventions. Overall, the findings underscore the persistent epidemiological relevance of Aedes aegypti in dengue transmission in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas and highlight the importance of maintaining and strengthening entomological and virological surveillance, particularly in scenarios where Aedes albopictus is beginning to establish, as a fundamental strategy for arbovirus prevention and control in the country.
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We invite you to read the complete scientific article at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001706X26000112?via%3Dihub
