A cross section through mosquitoes of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Barcodes, blood meals and pathogens

TL;DR

This study identifies mosquito species and detects pathogens in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting public health risks and the need for surveillance.

Contribution

The study provides the first barcode inventory of 17 mosquito species and novel molecular evidence of mosquito-borne pathogens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Findings

A total of 2691 mosquitoes of 17 species were identified, including new records of invasive Aedes species.

West Nile virus (lineage 2) RNA was detected in mosquitoes for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

DNA of filarioid nematodes and other pathogens like Trypanosoma and Plasmodium was detected, indicating potential transmission risks.

Abstract

Mosquitoes are important vectors of human and animal pathogens, yet data on their diversity and vector potential remain scarce for the central Balkan country Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study aimed to assess mosquito species composition, associated pathogens, and the potential public health risks in BIH. Adult mosquitoes were collected with light traps, identified morphologically and by barcoding, and screened molecularly for various pathogens, including West Nile virus (WNV), Dirofilaria spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Plasmodium spp.

A total of 2691 mosquitoes of 17 species were identified, with Culex pipiens/torrentium being most abundant and new records of Aedes albopictus and Ae. japonicus japonicus. The first detection of WNV (lineage 2) RNA in mosquitoes in BIH highlights the potential risk of circulation in the region, aligning with findings from neighboring countries. In addition, DNA of filarioid nematodes (Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, and Setaria tundra) were detected, underscoring their role as potential vectors of zoonotic dirofilariasis. Also, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium DNA was detected, warranting further investigation into the possible involvement of mosquitoes in their transmission.

The detection of invasive Aedes species and mosquito-borne pathogens emphasize the need for strengthened vector surveillance in southeastern Europe, particularly in BIH. This study provides the first barcode inventory of 17 mosquito species and novel molecular evidence of mosquito-borne pathogens in BIH, offering valuable baseline data for future epidemiological assessments and sustained entomological surveillance.

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