Zulfadli Mahfodz, Agus Naba, Pradeep Isawasan, Ahmad Mohiddin Mohd Ngesom, Nazri Che Dom
Background: Effective surveillance of mosquito vectors remains a major challenge in the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Drone, when integrated with machine learning (ML), offer new opportunities for automated detection and characterization of mosquito breeding habitats. However, evidence on their application across mosquito vector surveillance remains fragmented. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on drone-based machine learning applications for mosquito vector surveillance, with particular emphasis on Aedes breeding habitat detection, while incorporating methodologically relevant studies involving other mosquito genera. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore (2000–2024), following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies employed drone imagery integrated with ML approaches for mosquito vector surveillance, including Aedes and Anopheles. Data were extracted on study objectives, ML approaches, imagery characteristics, validation strategies, and performance outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted MMAT framework. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Most focused on breeding habitat detection, predominantly targeting Aedes mosquitoes, while a smaller subset addressed Anopheles larval habitats. Deep learning approaches were most commonly applied to detection-oriented tasks, whereas traditional machine-learning methods were primarily used for ecological and habitat characterization, reflecting task-specific methodological preferences across studies. Conclusions: Drone-based ML approaches show strong potential for advancing mosquito vector surveillance, particularly for automated habitat detection. While Aedes-focused applications dominate, methodological insights from Anopheles studies contribute to broader vector surveillance strategies. Clear differentiation between empirical evidence and conceptual extensions is essential for guiding future operational deployment. Clinical trial registration: Not applicable. © The Author(s) 2026.
Centre of Environmental Health & Safety, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), UITM Selangor, Selangor, Shah Alam, 42300, Malaysia; Department of Physics, University of Brawijaya, Veteran street, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Perak Branch, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak, Tapah Campus, 35400, Malaysia; Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Selangor, Shah Alam, 40450, Malaysia; Pest & Entomology Unit, Selangor State Health Department, Selangor, Shah Alam, 40100, Malaysia
