Mosquito-borne diseases are among the most serious public health problems in the world. The correct diagnosis of vectors is one of the most important factors in identifying the transmission of vector-borne diseases [1, 2]. Before molecular methods were introduced for the classification and identification of mosquitoes, they were identified and categorized based on their morphological characteristics. Owing to the recent advancements in technology, performing cytogenetic analyses and detecting Cytochrome Oxidase (CO1) enzyme indices have become quite feasible [3]. The molecular method can be very useful for identifying mosquitoes, because the samples that are not detectable and well maintained through morphological assay can be easily identified by this method [4]. Molecular method can be employed for the identification of sibling species as well as those that are morphologically similar to a certain population [5]. Up to now, several specific molecular markers with a high level of accuracy, such as Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITSs) of ribosomal DNA genes, 28S rDNA gene, mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase C subunit I and II (COI & COII), and Cytochrome Oxidase B, have been employed for the detection of species [4, 6–7].
Mosquito-borne diseases represent one of the most important public health issues all over the world. One of the most dangerous species that can be the vector of some serious and deadly arboviral diseases is Aedes aegypti [8]. Aedes aegypti lives in tropical and subtropical areas next to human habitats. Aedes aegypti eggs are very resistant to drought, and the mosquitoes usually lay them on the wet inner walls of containers with water or above the waterline. The eggs hatch into larvae within two days at a temperature of 27–30 °C. The larvae turn into pupae after eight days. The larvae of this species are found in human-made containers, such as pottery jugs, water storage tanks, drink cans, empty pots, broken bottles, and old tires, which are all used for keeping water inside and outside farm buildings located 500 meters away from residential areas. The larvae can also be easily found in tree holes, branches, bamboo trees, and even coconut trees. Larvae usually spend long periods of time underwater in deep-water areas to find food.
Female mosquitoes usually suck blood in the shade during daytime and sometimes enter low-light places at nights. Aedes aegypti are highly anthropophilic, such a way that each blood intake occurs with 2-4-day intervals. After the blood-sucking process, the resting phase usually takes place in indoor areas, such as cabinets or behind doors. Adult mosquitoes do not normally fly over long distances and usually spread up to a few hundred meters from their larval breeding places. The main origin of this species was in Africa, which was then gradually spread to other tropical areas.
Ae. aegypti is one of the species that can easily establish in a new region and adapt itself to the new conditions. So far, numerous studies have been conducted on the biological and medical importance of this invasive species in the world [9–12]. Many molecular studies have also been carried out to identify mosquito vectors in Iran. The majority of these studies have been focused on malaria vectors, while limited studies are available regarding Aedes mosquito. In fact, no comprehensive research has been carried out on Aedes mosquito with a focus on Ae. aegypti in Iran. There are some nonofficial reports of Ae. aegypti in southern parts of Iran a few decades ago as the same species or other species such as Ae. argenteus or Stegmyia fassiata [13] but there is no samples r reliable documentary of intent. Considering the reporting of some important arboviral diseases such as yellow fever, chikungunya, and dengue fever and their vectors in neighboring countries, the present study was conducted for the first time in Iran in order to survey this species in Hormozgan province (an oriental region located in the southern part of Iran near the Persian Gulf) during August 2017 to January 2020.