Abstract
Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is a globally recognized invasive species and a significant vector for arboviruses such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. While reported in various Northern provinces of Iran, evidence of its detection in Qazvin Province, remained unconfirmed prior to this study. The objective of this research was to conduct early detection and community-based surveillance for invasive Aedes species within this high-risk area. A comprehensive entomological surveillance system was implemented across Qazvin Province (2022–2024), integrating monitoring at Points of Entry, community‑based reporting, and targeted investigations around confirmed dengue cases. Field activities were conducted from April to November each year. Data collection included ovitrap monitoring, larval habitat inspections, and adult mosquito sampling using standardized WHO‑recommended procedures, followed by morphological identification under laboratory conditions. All surveillance information was systematically recorded, validated, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The presence of Ae. albopictus was confirmed in Razmian. A total of 1,602 mosquito specimens representing eight species from four genera were collected, including 561 eggs, 15 larvae, and 3 adult Ae. albopictus detected across four locations. All positive detections originated from community‑triggered investigations, while ovitraps and routine surveillance at Points of Entry yielded no Aedes specimens. This demonstrates the high sensitivity of community‑based reporting for early detection of low‑density invasive mosquito populations. This study reports the first confirmed detection of Ae. albopictus in Qazvin Province. The findings highlight the essential contribution of community reporting in complementing traditional entomological surveillance and emphasize the need for sustained, people‑centered surveillance strategies to mitigate the risk of future arboviral transmission.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude and profound appreciation for the invaluable support and collaboration that made this research possible. We are particularly indebted to Qazvin Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) Center for their significant logistical support and for generously providing a platform to facilitate the implementation of our program. This study was conducted with the financial support of the Deputy of Research and Technology of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences and the Deputy of Health of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences for dedicated contribution in human resources and time, which were crucial for the successful execution of the field activities and data collection. The commitment of time, personnel, and resources from these institutions was instrumental in the realization of this study. Their collective assistance significantly enriched the quality and scope of our work.
Funding
This study funded by Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences.
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The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. It was approved by the Ethics Committee of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences and registered in the National System of Ethics in Biomedical Research (Ethics code: IR.QUMS.REC.1404.393). The study was conducted as part of a public health surveillance program. Participants included healthcare system personnel and community members who voluntarily reported suspected Aedes mosquito sightings. Informed verbal consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection. Participants were informed about the purpose of the study, the voluntary nature of their participation, and that only non-identifiable information (e.g., location and field observations of suspected mosquitoes) would be collected. No written informed consent was obtained, as no personal identifying information was collected and participation involved minimal risk. The requirement for written consent was waived by the ethics committee. No direct data were collected from minors. In cases where reports involved household environments, information was provided by adults or legal guardians.
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Barmaki, A., Rassi, Y., Nikpour, F. et al. Early detection and community-based surveillance of Aedes albopictus in the Razmian region of Qazvin Province, Iran.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-55779-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-55779-0
Keywords
Aedes albopictus
- Early detection
- Surveillance
- Community-based
- Qazvin Province
- Iran
Source: Ecology - nature.com
