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Vector-Borne Diseases and Inventions on Vectors

Vector-Borne Diseases and Inventions on Vectors

324 - Integrating eDNA and qPCR to distinguish between Aedes aegypti and Aedes sierrensis reproduction sites

Thursday, March 6, 2025
3:45 PM – 3:55 PM AST
Location: 208 B
Abstract: The swift propagation of Aedes aegypti throughout California, a vector of dengue virus, poses a significant public health threat both locally and globally. Rapid and accurate identification of this species, especially in the presence of species with morphologically similar eggs and larvae like Aedes sierrensis, which transmits heartworm to dogs, is useful for effective prevention efforts and potential disease control. Traditional morphological methods can falter when specimens are damaged or atypical, necessitating more reliable identification techniques. For these cases, a multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed, targeting the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene. The assay demonstrated an average sensitivity of 97.29% and 94.69% average specificity, allowing for accurate species identification across all life stages. The assay was then applied to environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples collected from reproduction sites such as treeholes and artificial containers. This application allows early detection of mosquito species without the need for physical specimens, improving surveillance and allowing for more timely interventions. By broadening the array of sample types detectable by the qPCR assay, including tissues from all mosquito life stages and eDNA-infused mosquito reproduction water, this method can provide for more comprehensive monitoring. This expanded detection capability allows for improved surveillance of both known and previously unidentified mosquito reproduction sites across various habitats.