Abstract:
BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of recent data and knowledge on mosquito diversity and potential vectors of arboviruses in South Africa, with most of the available data dating back to the 1950s–1970s. Aedes and Culex species are the
major vectors of some of the principal arboviruses which have emerged and re-emerged in the past few decades.
METHODS: In this study we used entomological surveillance in selected areas in the north-eastern parts of South
Africa from 2014 to 2018 to assess mosquito diversity, with special emphasis on the Aedes species. The impact of trap
types and environmental conditions was also investigated. Identifcation of the blood meal sources of engorged
females collected during the study period was carried out, and DNA barcodes were generated for selected species.
RESULTS: Overall, 18.5% of the total Culicidae mosquitoes collected belonged to the genus Aedes, with 14 species recognised or suspected vectors of arboviruses. Species belonging to the Neomelaniconion subgenus were commonly
collected in the Bushveld savanna at conservation areas, especially Aedes mcintoshi and Aedes circumluteolus. Aedes
aegypti was present in all sites, albeit in low numbers. Temperature was a limiting factor for the Aedes population, and
they were almost exclusively collected at temperatures between 18 °C and 27 °C. The cytochrome oxidase subunit
I (COI) barcode fragment was amplifed for 21 Aedes species, and for nine of these species it was the frst sequence
information uploaded on GenBank.
CONCLUSION: This study provides a better understanding of the diversity and relative abundance of Aedes species in
the north-east of South Africa. The information provided here will contribute to future arboviral research and implementation of efcient vector control and prevention strategies.
