Aedes aegypti feeding behavior during dengue outbreaks in two rural areas of Peru during the Yaku cyclone and El Niño phenomenon of 2023.

Background: Motivation for the study. Dengue epidemics caused by A. aegypti occur during climatic events in tropical countries such as Peru; however, the feeding behavior of the mosquito usually goes unnoticed.

Background: Main findings. A. aegypti populations in Marcavelica and Querecotillo showed anthropophilic feeding behavior during cyclone Yaku and in the 2023 El Niño. However, populations with different feeding patterns are not ruled out.

Background: Implications. The PCR-RFLP technique of the blood cell cytochrome B gene could be implemented in vector control policies through an entomo-virological surveillance plan.

Objective.: To determine the feeding behavior of Aedes aegypti in dengue outbreaks in two rural areas of Peru during the Yaku cyclone and El Niño phenomenon of 2023.

Material and methods.: Eight blood samples (8 pools) were obtained from the abdomen of 80 Aedes aegypti specimens captured in the rural districts of Querecotillo and Marcavelica during the Yaku cyclone and El Niño dengue outbreaks. DNA was extracted from the analyzed samples, then a PCR was directed at the CytB gene as a genetic marker and the PCR products were enzymatically digested with the restrictases Hae III and Mwo I. The PCR-RFLP products were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis at 4%.

Results.: DNA was obtained from all samples and a 358 bp amplicon was obtained as a PCR product. Likewise, the only RFLP found in Hae III was from Homo sapiens sapiens (233 and 125 bp). RFLP was not found in Hae III of Gallus gallus and RFLP in Mwo I of Canis familiaris and Mus musculus.

Conclusion.: Aedes aegypti showed conserved anthropophilic feeding behavior in dengue outbreaks in rural areas during the Yaku cyclone and El Niño.