Genetic heterogeneity of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti in Martinique.

In Martinique, Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue viruses has been the target of insecticide control for more than 35 years. Despite significant control efforts, dengue has become a major disease of public health concern. We conducted a population genetic analysis based on isoenzyme variations combined with an estimation of infection rate to a dengue virus among 26 Ae. aegypti samples. Aedes aegypti samples could be differentiated for their susceptibility to dengue infection (infection rates ranging from 42.8% to 98.6%) and showed important genetic variation (significant F(ST) values).