## Vector Identification **Key Point:** Aedes aegypti is the principal vector for dengue virus transmission in India and most tropical/subtropical regions worldwide. ### Characteristics of Aedes aegypti - **Habitat:** Breeds in clean, stagnant water in artificial containers (flower pots, water tanks, discarded tyres, coconut shells) - **Behaviour:** Diurnal feeder (bites during daytime, especially early morning and late afternoon) - **Feeding preference:** Anthropophilic (prefers human blood) - **Distribution:** Urban and periurban areas; thrives in densely populated settlements - **Seasonality:** Peaks during monsoon and post-monsoon months in India ### Why Aedes aegypti is the Efficient Vector 1. Close association with human habitats 2. Multiple blood meals per gonotrophic cycle (increases transmission efficiency) 3. Ability to transmit all four dengue serotypes 4. Rapid reproduction in urban water containers **High-Yield:** The presence of Aedes aegypti larvae in water containers is used for **Breteau Index** (number of positive containers per 100 houses inspected) — a key surveillance indicator in dengue control programmes. ### Other Vectors - **Aedes albopictus:** Secondary vector; found in rural and forested areas; less efficient in dengue transmission - **Anopheles stephensi:** Malaria vector, not dengue - **Culex quinquefasciatus:** Filariasis and Japanese encephalitis vector [cite:Park 26e Ch 7]
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