Impact of human blood groups on reproductive fitness and offspring morphometrics of dengue vector Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): a laboratory-based study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The reproductive success of Aedes aegypti, a primary vector of dengue and other arboviruses, depends on host blood nutrition. Variations in blood group composition may significantly influence mosquito fecundity, egg viability, and offspring fitness, potentially impacting disease transmission dynamics. This study investigates the effect of human blood groups on the egg hatching rate and offspring morphometric development of Aedes aegypti. RESULTS: Blood groups B- and O- demonstrated the highest fecundity rates, with significantly larger egg sizes and greater egg viability compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Offspring from these groups exhibited superior morphometric traits, including longer larval lengths and larger head capsule widths. In contrast, blood groups B+ and AB+ resulted in the lowest reproductive success, with smaller egg sizes and reduced larval fitness. The observed differences suggest blood group-specific variations in nutritional quality influencing mosquito reproductive potential and offspring development. The findings reveal that host blood group significantly impacts Aedes aegypti reproduction and larval fitness, with B- and O- blood groups providing the most favorable outcomes.