Evaluation of DENV-mediated potential of Aedes albopictus (KDCA strain) through comparative experiments with Aedes aegypti

Abstract

Aedes albopictus is an important vector of various arboviruses, including dengue virus (DENV). The vector capacity for DENV has been studied in various geographical regions, but information on Korean Ae. albopictus strains are limited. This study aimed to investigate the vector capacity of the Korean Ae. albopictus strain (Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency, KDCA) for DENV-2. Adult mosquitoes were orally infected with DENV-2 and dissected on days 3 and 7 post-infection. Viral RNA was extracted from midgut and carcass tissues and detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that the KDCA strain could acquire and transmit DENV-2, although with lower efficiency compared with Ae. aegypti. These findings highlight the potential risk of DENV transmission by Ae. albopictus strain (KDCA) and emphasize the need for effective vector control strategies.