Morphological and molecular-based identification of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), a main vector of Dengue Fever, the first record in Iran after decades.

Abstract Background : Aedes aegypti is an important vector for transmission of some dangerous arboviral diseases including Dengue Fever. This study was conducted for the first time in Iran in order to survey the existence of this invasive species in oriental parts of the country located near the Persian Gulf during August 2017 to January 2020. Methods : Different sampling methods were used to collect all stages of mosquitoes in five selected cities of Hormozgan province, south of Iran. After morphological identification, a molecular study based on Cytochrome Oxidase (CO1) gene-specific primers was performed to identify them more precisely. Then, the CO1 gene were sequenced via the Sanger method. Results : Totally, 4560 adults and 3520 larvae were collected from all sampling areas. Thirty-one Aedes aegypti specimens were identified from Bandar Khamir and Bandar Lengeh seaports. Conclusion : Based on the biology and ecology of Aedes aegypti , the possibility of establishment of this species in this region is very high due to the tropical climate of this region. Considering the detection of this invasive vector, high incidence of some arboviral diseases in the neighboring countries, and continuous movements of the settlers of these areas, some potential outbreaks of arboviral diseases can be predicted. Thus, planning and implementing an immediate preventative and surveillance program is vital in order to prevent the establishment of this invasive vector in this area. Keywords : Aedes aegypti , Dengue Fever, vector surveillance, CO1 Gene, Iran