Chikungunya Virus Mosquito Vectors: A Global Review of Field Surveillance and Laboratory Vector Competence (2020–2026)

The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging alphavirus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. This narrative review synthesised evidence from 56 mosquito-based records (34 field surveillance records and 22 laboratory vector competence records) published from January 2020 to June 2026. Aedes aegypti was the most frequently detected species, confirmed as CHIKV-positive in 22 of the 29 field studies that examined it, followed by Aedes albopictus (positive in nine of 12). Both species demonstrated consistent laboratory competence. Descriptive laboratory analysis showed mean infection, dissemination, and transmission values of approximately 76%, 77%, and 37% for Ae. aegypti, and 79%, 80%, and 47% for Ae. albopictus, respectively; these values are descriptive summaries across heterogeneous laboratory protocols and inconsistently reported genotypes. East/Central/South African–Indian Ocean Lineage of the chikungunya virus (ECSA-IOL) showed the highest mean transmission efficiency among genotype groups. In addition, CHIKV RNA was also detected in Culex quinquefasciatus, Psorophora spp., Wyeomyia spp., and other culicids in field studies, but laboratory evidence does not support these species as confirmed competent vectors. Other Aedes species, including Aedes vittatus, Aedes polynesiensis, Aedes koreicus, and Aedes japonicus, may have regional relevance but require further validation. Key evidence gaps include incomplete genotype reporting, limited virus isolation from positive mosquito pools, and inconsistent transmission metrics. Future preparedness for CHIKV emergence and spread requires integrated surveillance combining field detection, virus isolation, genomic sequencing, and standardised vector competence assays within an integrated surveillance framework.