Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) distribution, diversity, and Zika virus RNA detection in multiple species in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63719/imrj.2026.12.01.005Abstract
Malaysia, particularly the state of Sabah, has experienced autochthonous transmission of the Zika virus (ZIKV), highlighting an ongoing public health concern. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution and diversity of potential mosquito vectors in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and to detect the presence of ZIKV RNA in field-caught specimens. A total of 1,288 mosquito specimens, comprising adult and larval stages, were collected using six sampling methods: handheld mosquito aspirator, human landing catch, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention light trap, sticky ovitrap, larval surveillance, and conventional ovitrap. A total of 14 species belonging to seven genera were identified, among which Aedes albopictus was the predominant species (77.02%), followed by Tripteroides sp. (10.01%). Zika virus RNA was detected exclusively in adult mosquitoes collected using the sticky ovitrap, with positive detections in Ae. albopictus, Ae. paullusi, Niveus group, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. sitiens, and Tripteroides sp. via real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The data obtained in this study provide pivotal information on other mosquito species that may play a significant role in Zika virus transmission.
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