Extensive Surveillance of Mosquitoes and molecular investigation of Arboviruses in central Iran; First Record of Molecular Identification of Culex tarsalis in Qom Province

BackgroundArboviruses are one of the greatest threats to animal and public health. Culicidae family is one of the most important vectors for the transmission of Arboviruses in the world. According to the geographical, demographic and climatic features of Qom city in Iran, it can be a suitable region for vectors and therefore transmission of Arboviruses. MethodsIn this study, which was conducted between 2019 and 2020 in different parts of Qom city, 83,414 mosquitoes were collected and after evaluating the species of mosquitoes based on morphological and molecular detection, the presence of alphaviruses, flaviviruses and phleboviruses were evaluated using genus specific RT-PCR assays. ResultsIn this study, Culex tarsalis, Culex theilerivoucher, Culex quinquefasciatus and most importantly for the first time in Iran Culex tarsalis were detected. No alphavirus, flavivirus and phlebovirus infection was identified in collected mosquitoes. ConclusionClimatic and weather changes are the basis for the growth and spread of vectors and consequently the spread of arboviral diseases, and this issue seems to be very important on the necessity of increasing and continuing entomological and virological studies. Author SummaryArboviruses pose significant threats to animal and public health globally, with mosquitoes from the Culicidae family serving as key vectors in their transmission. This study focuses on Qom city, Iran, which, due to its unique geographical, demographic, and climatic characteristics, provides a potentially suitable environment for these vectors. Over the course of 2019 to 2020, researchers collected 83,414 mosquitoes across various locations within Qom. Through morphological and molecular analysis, they identified species such as Culex tarsalis, Culex theileri, and Culex quinquefasciatus, notably reporting Culex tarsalis in Iran for the first time. Using genus-specific RT-PCR assays, the study evaluated the presence of alphaviruses, flaviviruses, and phleboviruses in the collected samples but found no evidence of infection. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing entomological and virological research, particularly given the potential for climatic changes to influence vector growth and the spread of arboviral diseases.