HIV: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Why can HIV epidemiology be consistently explained by the theory of mosquito transmission but not sexual transmission?

Jiman He*

A rapid decline in new HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infections has occurred in worldwide regions where extensive efforts were made to combat mosquitoes, but not in regions where no such efforts were made. Twothirds of global HIV infections occur in sub-Saharan Africa, a region with the highest rates of mosquito-borne diseases in the world. Outside sub-Saharan Africa, regions with high abundances of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes consistently have several to more than 10 times higher HIV prevalence than neighboring regions. Sleeping in close proximity allows mosquitoes to transfer fresh blood within minutes through contaminated mouthparts between people. People who sleep in close proximity to each other or are frequently exposed to mosquito bites have high rates of HIV infection. For example, eight high-risk populations for HIV listed in guidelines (e.g., sexual partners, prisoners, homeless people) either sleep in close proximity to each other or are regularly exposed to mosquitoes. A wide range of epidemiological data can be consistently explained by the theory of mosquito transmission, but not sexual transmission. Anyone can easily test this issue using existing global data. Research communities must resolve these issues.

Published Date: 2026-06-25; Received Date: 2026-05-19