Mosquito-Borne Disease Testing

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and malaria pose significant health risks in tropical and subtropical regions. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for timely medical intervention and preventing complications.

Our laboratory offers comprehensive testing for common mosquito-borne infections through advanced molecular, serological, and antigen-based methods. These tests help detect active infections, assess immune response, and support appropriate treatment decisions.

All testing is conducted under strict quality standards to ensure reliable and prompt results.

Please contact us for more information or to inquire about specific test availability.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Medical Overview

Mosquito-borne diseases are infections caused by viruses, parasites, or bacteria that are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Although mosquitoes themselves are unaffected by these pathogens, they serve as highly effective vectors for disease transmission.

Globally, mosquito-borne diseases affect nearly 700 million people each year, resulting in over one million deaths, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases vary in severity, clinical presentation, and long-term impact.

Common mosquito-borne diseases include:

  • Dengue

  • Malaria

  • Japanese Encephalitis

  • Chikungunya

  • Lymphatic Filariasis

  • Zika Virus

  • West Nile Virus

  • Yellow Fever

  • Other viral encephalitides (e.g., La Crosse, Saint Louis, Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis)

Dengue Fever

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti. It is endemic in over 100 countries and can cause outbreaks, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Symptoms typically appear 3–14 days after infection and may include:

  • High fever

  • Severe headache

  • Muscle and joint pain (“breakbone fever”)

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Skin rash

In most cases, recovery occurs within 2–7 days. However, a subset of cases can progress to severe dengue, leading to internal bleeding, low platelet counts, plasma leakage, or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.

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Malaria

Malaria is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It remains one of the most significant parasitic diseases globally.

Symptoms usually develop 10–15 days after the mosquito bite and may include:

  • Fever and chills

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches

  • Fatigue

In non-immune individuals, especially children and pregnant women, malaria can progress rapidly to severe disease. Complications include cerebral malaria, severe anemia, acute respiratory distress, and multi-organ failure. In endemic areas, partial immunity may lead to milder or asymptomatic cases.

Malaria is both preventable and treatable when identified early.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is a flavivirus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, particularly Culex tritaeniorhynchus. It is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia.

Most infections are asymptomatic or present mild symptoms such as fever and headache. However, about 1 in 250 infections can lead to severe disease, which may involve:

  • Rapid onset of high fever

  • Neck stiffness

  • Seizures

  • Disorientation or coma

  • Spastic paralysis

The case-fatality rate among those with severe illness can reach 30%, and 20–30% of survivors may suffer from long-term neurological or cognitive impairments.

Transmission is typically associated with rural or peri-urban environments, where pigs and water birds serve as amplifying hosts.

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Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It shares some clinical features with dengue and Zika, which may lead to misdiagnosis in co-endemic areas.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Sudden high fever

  • Severe joint pain, often prolonged

  • Headache

  • Rash

  • Muscle pain

  • Fatigue

The joint pain can be debilitating and may persist for weeks or months. While rarely fatal, chikungunya can significantly affect quality of life during the acute and post-acute phases. There is no specific antiviral treatment; clinical management focuses on symptom relief.

Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)

Lymphatic Filariasis is a chronic parasitic infection caused by filarial worms (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Brugia timori), transmitted by various mosquito species over repeated exposures.

Infection often begins in childhood and may remain asymptomatic for years, while silently damaging the lymphatic system.

Chronic complications may include:

  • Lymphedema (swelling, commonly in the legs)

  • Elephantiasis (thickening and hardening of the skin)

  • Hydrocele (fluid accumulation in the scrotum)

Secondary bacterial infections and acute inflammation of lymphatic vessels and skin are common and contribute to long-term disability. The disease causes significant physical and psychosocial burden, particularly in low-resource settings.

Detailed macro shot of a mosquito resting on a leaf in San Martín, Peru. Perfect for wildlife and insect studies.

Diagnosis and Public Health Importance

Early detection of mosquito-borne diseases is essential for effective clinical management and outbreak control. Diagnostic methods vary depending on the pathogen and stage of illness and may include:

Serological testing (IgM/IgG antibodies)

Antigen detection

Molecular testing (e.g., PCR)

Microscopic identification (e.g., for malaria parasites)

Accurate laboratory diagnosis supports appropriate treatment, helps prevent severe complications, and plays a vital role in public health surveillance, especially in endemic and outbreak-prone areas.