Mosquito ecology and vector-borne disease risk in Egypt: A 35-year systematic review (1990-2025)

Mosquitoes represent major vectors of numerous human and animal diseases and continue to pose significant threats to global public health, particularly across tropical and temperate regions. Although substantial entomological research has been conducted in Egypt, a comprehensive synthesis of the temporal and spatial distribution of mosquito species nationwide remains lacking. To address this gap, the present review systematically synthesizes mosquito-related literature published over the past 35 years (1990-2025) to document the mosquito fauna of Egypt and characterize principal larval habitats, including their physicochemical properties, in relation to species occurrence and habitat suitability. We analyze regional variation in species composition across Egypt's five principal geographical zones-Greater Cairo, Alexandria, the Nile Delta, the Suez Canal region, and Upper Egypt. Moreover, we examine how these distribution patterns correspond to the occurrence and spatial dynamics of mosquito-borne diseases reported within the country. Between 1990 and 2025, a total of 25 mosquito species representing five genera were documented in Egypt. This review further evaluates the potential influence of climate change-driven environmental alterations on mosquito range expansion and the consequent implications for the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. In addition, national vector control strategies are critically assessed, highlighting both notable achievements and persistent operational, infrastructural, and logistical challenges. Overall, this review provides an updated and integrative synthesis of mosquito ecology in Egypt, emphasizing the ecological and epidemiological significance of mosquito species. The findings presented herein are intended to inform strengthened surveillance systems, guide targeted vector control interventions, and support more effective prevention and management of mosquito-borne diseases.