First concrete documentation for presence of <i>Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus</i> in Bolivia: Dispelling previous anecdotes

Abstract

Abstract Background The presence of Aedes albopictus in Bolivia has been a subject of controversy, lacking concrete documentation until now. Objectives This study aimed to furnish evidence of Ae. albopictus presence in Bolivia. Methods Larval breeding sites were sampled in two northern Bolivian localities, Rosario del Yata and San Agustin, both situated in the Beni department within the Vaca Diez province and Guayaramerin Municipio, approximately 10 km apart. Mosquito larvae collected underwent rearing to L4 and adult stages for morphological identification, with some specimens sequenced for confirmation. Findings Ae. albopictus was identified in multiple breeding sites in both localities, confirming its establishment in the area. This marks the first concrete documentation of the species in Bolivia. The collections (larvae and adults) have been deposited in the Medical Entomology Laboratory of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and the Laboratory of Entomology of the Instituto Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud of the Ministry of Health in La Paz, Bolivia. Main conclusion Acknowledging its role as a vector for arboviruses like dengue and Chikungunya, Ae. albopictus should be incorporated into the Bolivian National Program of Vector Control for monitoring.