First dengue virus detection in Aedes albopictus from Delhi, India: its breeding ecology and role in dengue transmission

Objective To report dengue virus and its disease transmission in Aedes albopictus in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. Methods Monthly Aedes surveys were carried out in 126 urban localities of Delhi in 2008 and 2009. Pools of all three species of Aedes mosquitoes were tested for Dengue virus (DENV) using an antigen‐capture enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results Aedes aegypti was the most prevalent species, breeding throughout the year. Aedes albopictus was found in 9.52% of surveyed localities including the central urban part of Delhi, in March and from August to October. Aedes albopictus and Aedes vittatus are adapting to breed in manmade containers in the urban areas of Delhi in addition to their natural habitats of bamboo bushes and rock pits. Of the 229 pools of Ae. aegypti and 34 pools of Ae. albopictus tested, 10.5% and 11.76% were positive for dengue virus, respectively. No dengue virus infection was recorded in Ae. vittatus. Conclusion This is the first report of dengue virus in Ae. albopictus from north India. Because DENV was detected in Ae. albopictus, which adapted to manmade containers, both its spread and transmission dynamics should be checked.