Species-specific impacts of radiofrequency exposure on the structural and morphological characteristics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus eggs

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are integral to wireless communication systems, and their potential biological impacts on non-target organisms, such as mosquitoes, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RF exposure on the structural and morphological characteristics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus eggs, two major vectors of dengue and other arboviral diseases, under controlled experimental conditions. METHODS: Laboratory and field strain eggs of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were exposed to RF at frequencies of 900 MHz and 18 GHz for 24 h, with unexposed eggs serving as controls. Structural changes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while morphometric parameters (length, width, egg index, and surface area) were measured using ImageJ software. Statistical analysis was conducted using t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant structural alterations were observed in the outer chorionic cells (OCC) of eggs exposed to RF, particularly at 900 MHz. Ae. aegypti eggs exhibited greater damage, including cell disappearance, surface irregularities, and disrupted exochorionic networks (EN), compared to Ae. albopictus. At 18 GHz, structural changes were milder and limited to surface disorganization. Morphometric analysis revealed that Ae. aegypti eggs were significantly larger than Ae. albopictus eggs in the control group (p < 0.05). RF exposure at 900 MHz reduced egg size in both species, while 18 GHz exposure resulted in species-specific effects. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the frequency-dependent and species-specific impacts of RF exposure on Aedes egg morphology and structure. The findings suggest that RF exposure, particularly at 900 MHz, may affect mosquito reproduction and population dynamics, with potential implications for vector control strategies.