Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Identification of Malaysian dengue vectors; Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using polymerase chain reaction assay
by Intan H. Ishak, Zairi Jaal, Helen Irving, Hilary Ranson and Charles Wondji

Abstract:
Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopticus mosquitoes, is endemic in Malaysia. Dengue control mostly relies on vector control which uses chemical insecticides. Unfortunately, insecticide resistance is threatening vector control programs and the resistance pattern in each Aedes species is different. It is important to confirm the species in an area to ensure the effectiveness of a control program. To identify the Aedes species present in an area, Aedes mosquitoes were collected from four states in Malaysia in 2010. Ovitraps were set up in Penang, Kota Bharu, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bharu. The field samples collected were reared in the laboratory and genetic characterisation of the mosquitoes using PCR was conducted. The PCR based species identification method that was carried out to confirm the species of the samples showed that 100% of the samples that were previously identified by morphological differences were the correct species. Findings from this study will aid in the design of a successful insecticide-based control program against these two dengue vectors based on the accurate species identification. This will help to improve the dengue control throughout Malaysia.

Keywords: dengue, aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, species identification, polymerase chain reaction

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