The Culex pipiens group (Diptera, Culicidae) in Croatia, with reference to West Nile virus vectors

Bušić, Nataša; Bruvo Mađarić, Branka; Merdić, Enrih; Kampen, Helge (2025) The Culex pipiens group (Diptera, Culicidae) in Croatia, with reference to West Nile virus vectors. Journal of Vector Ecology, 50 (2). ISSN 1081-1710

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Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive molecular analysis of the Culex pipiens group in Croatia, focusing on its role as a West Nile virus vector. Mosquito specimens were collected between 2017 and 2022 across Croatia’s three biogeographical regions – Pannonian-Peripannonian, Mediterranean, and Mountainous – and analyzed using morphological and molecular methods (PCR and qPCR). Four taxa were identified: Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus, their hybrids, and Cx. torrentium. The dominant taxon was Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens, found mainly in rural areas and most abundant from June to August. Cx. torrentium was recorded in all three regions, including low-altitude Mediterranean sites, suggesting possible adaptation to warmer climates. Hybrids were mostly present in peri-urban and agricultural habitats, indicating ecological overlap between the two pipiens biotypes. The findings show that vector-competent Culex taxa are widespread in Croatia, supporting the circulation and transmission of WNV, especially in the Pannonian-Peripannonian region, which experienced major outbreaks in 2018. The study highlights the need for continuous mosquito surveillance and molecular monitoring to better understand vector distribution and manage WNV transmission risks in Croatia and neighboring countries.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Culex pipiens group; molecular analysis; biogeographical regions; Croatia
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Biology > Zoology NATURAL SCIENCES > Biology > Genetics, Evolution and Phylogenetics BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE > Public Health and Health Care
Divisions:	Division of Molecular Biology
Depositing User:	Branka Bruvo Mađarić
Date Deposited:	14 Jan 2026 09:57
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/10784
DOI:	10.52707/1081-1710-50.2-s8

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