Emergence and phylogeography of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti in Southeastern Iran
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pntd.0014671
- PMID
- —
- PMCID
- —
- OpenAlex
- —
- Study type
- Genomic study
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
The confirmed establishment of genetically diverse Ae. aegypti populations in southeastern Iran represents an emerging invasion corridor that elevates arbovirus transmission risk, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. The genetic connectivity with endemic regions in Latin America, Africa, and South Asia underscores the need for integrated vector monitoring and genomic surveillance to inform prevention strategies.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
The study aimed to determine the genetic origin and invasion pathways of Aedes aegypti populations recently detected in southeastern Iran through phylogeographic analysis.
Study design
Mitochondrial gene analysis was performed on Ae. aegypti specimens collected from border areas, ports, and urban centers in Sistan and Baluchistan Province. COI and ND4 genes were sequenced, and haplotype networks and phylogenetic trees were constructed using global reference sequences.
Population and setting
Specimens were collected from Aedes aegypti populations in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran, specifically from border zones, port locations, and urban centers.
Main findings
Iranian specimens exhibited substantial genetic diversity, with 7 COI and 10 ND4 haplotypes identified. Phylogenetic placement revealed clustering with lineages from Latin America, Africa, and South Asia, with combined analysis showing a monophyletic clade including a Sri Lankan specimen. The haplotype network topology and phylogenetic distribution indicate multiple independent introduction events rather than a single colonization.
Public-health relevance
The confirmed establishment of genetically diverse Ae. aegypti populations in southeastern Iran represents an emerging invasion corridor that elevates arbovirus transmission risk, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. The genetic connectivity with endemic regions in Latin America, Africa, and South Asia underscores the need for integrated vector monitoring and genomic surveillance to inform prevention strategies.
Important limitations
This summary relies solely on the supplied single-article abstract and metadata. Full assessment of sampling strategy, sequence quality controls, phylogenetic methods, statistical support beyond reported bootstrap values, and temporal inference requires access to the complete published article.
GIDS interpretation
This genomic study characterizes the phylogeographic structure of an established Ae. aegypti population in Iran and infers probable source regions. It contributes baseline genetic data for vector surveillance systems but does not itself constitute detection of a new event or confirmation of arbovirus circulation in the region.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 7 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.