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Detection of Culex restuans Environmental RNA (eRNA) Using Droplet Digital PCR: A Proof-of-Concept for Molecular Mosquito Surveillance

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Sensitive surveillance tools are needed to improve detection of emerging mosquito populations relevant to public health. We evaluated an environmental nucleic acid-based approach using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to detect Culex restuans in water samples from semi-field conditions. Water samples were collected between July and September 2025, and molecular assays targeting COX1 mRNA were used to detect the presence of Cx. restuans . ddPCR detected Cx. restuans eRNA in water samples with confirmed larvae, with strong signal in semi-field samples and a positive correlation between eRNA copy number and larval abundance under controlled conditions. A time-course experiment indicated rapid loss of eRNA signal after 1 week at room temperature, indicating that eRNA reflects recent mosquito activity. These findings support the operational potential of eRNA as a complement to conventional mosquito surveillance programs, particularly if larval density is high and there is need to confirm findings and/or screen for rare detects.

Source: Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association

DOI: 10.2987/26-7324

Authors: Michael J. Conway, Carter S. Hebert, Julianna B. Shisler, Doug W. Allen, Carl W. Doud

Institution: Central Michigan University

Language: English

Topic: Mosquito-borne diseases and control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7225827345

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