Investigation of the presence of Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and West Nile virus in Aedes type mosquitoes in the Eastern Black Sea area of Turkey

Abstract

Objective: Arboviruses are a group of viruses transmitted by arthropods, and are characterized by a wide geographic distribution that causes various infections in humans, both in the enzootic and urban cycles, in environments associated with the presence of vectors. Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV), Zika (ZIKV), yellow fever, and West Nile virus (WNV) infections are increasingly public health problems that spread throughout the world. The best known vectors of these viruses are the invasive vectors of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The aim of this study is located in the Black Sea in northeastern Turkey located in established populations of A. aegypti and A. albopictus was to investigate the presence of viruses transmitted by mosquito species. Methods: From April to October 2016, it was studied on mosquitoes in the provinces from the western border gate to the province of Ordu and areas with entry points to the inner regions. A total of 267 mosquitoes were collected from 51 different regions of the Black Sea region. All samples were tested for the presence of Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile virus. Results: A total of 267 mosquito samples, 38 A. aegypti and 229 A. albopictus, were obtained, of which eight were male and 259 were female. No positivity was detected in terms of DENV, CHIKV, ZIKV and WNV in A. aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes included in the study. No positivity was found in panflavivirus. Conclusion: The fact that none of the investigated viruses were detected in A. aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes is an important data that vectors in this region have not yet encountered DENV, CHIKV, ZIKV and WNV. In our country, where cases of foreign travel related to these viruses are seen, there may be a possibility of autochthonous transmission in case of encountering viruses that will come from outside and existing vectors. For this reason, similar studies should be carried out in other regions and healthy and up-to-date maps should be created in terms of vector and virus tracking. Thus, when the presence of these viruses entering the country is detected, it will be possible to take quick and effective measures.