Molecular Detection of Dengue Virus in Aedes Mosquitoes Collected from Urban Communities in Lagos State

Dengue fever is an emerging arboviral disease of increasing epidemiological concern in urban Nigeria, where rapid population growth and inadequate waste management create optimal Aedes aegypti breeding habitats. This study investigates the presence of dengue virus (DENV) in Aedes mosquitoes collected from selected urban communities in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, to contribute entomological evidence to Nigeria's arboviral surveillance data. Adult Aedes mosquitoes will be trapped using BG-Sentinel traps deployed at 12 residential sites across Alimosho, Surulere, and Lagos Island local government areas. Collected mosquitoes will be morphologically identified and pooled by species and collection site. RNA extraction and one-step reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the DENV NS5 gene will be performed to detect viral nucleic acid. Minimum infection rates will be calculated per pool. Population density surveys will assess stagnant water indices at each site. Recent studies indicate dengue seroprevalence in Lagos may exceed 30 percent among febrile patients, yet entomological confirmation remains limited. Findings will characterise the spatial distribution of dengue-positive Aedes populations, informing vector control priorities for the Lagos State Ministry of Environment. This study also strengthens the capacity for entomological virology surveillance in South West Nigeria and contributes data relevant to national arboviral preparedness frameworks. Keywords: dengue virus, Aedes mosquitoes, urban communities, Lagos State, RT-PCR