Population genetics of Aedes aegypti collected in suitable development sites in the district of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

In Côte d'Ivoire, especially in Abidjan, outbreaks of dengue are regularly reported since 2009. Despite the role of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector, in dengue transmission, limited information exists on its genetic diversity and population structure. This study aims to describe the dynamics of Aedes populations alongside with genetic data in this region. Mosquito larvae and pupae were collected from three localties in Abidjan district: Deux-Plateaux, Riviera-Golf, and Bingerville. DNA was extracted, and five microsatellite loci were amplified by PCR. Genetic data were analyzed using Wright's fixation indices (FIS, FST, and FIT) and software such as Fstat and Micro-Checker to detect null alleles, short allele dominance (SAD), and stuttering. This study revealed 64 alleles and 100% genetic polymorphism of Aedes aegypti populations. The number of the alleles per locus ranged from 9 to 15. A highly significant association (70%) among the loci, moderate population differentiation (global FST = 0.166) and a significant heterozygote deficit (global FIS = 0.733 > 0) were observed. No distinct genetic population structure or geographic clustering was observed. This study highlights a moderate genetic diversity among Aedes aegypti populations in Abidjan that could largely attributed to high levels of gene flow and small geographic distribution. These observations are critical for refining vector control strategies in Côte d'Ivoire.