Further chromatographic studies of the systematic relationship within the Anopheles gambiae complex; studies of laboratory strains

As serious consideration is given to initiating malaria eradication programmes in tropical Africa, it becomes essential to be able to distinguish between the various species comprising the Anopheles gambiae complex. At the present time, A and B species cannot be separated by conventional taxonomic methods.The chromatographic method used in the thorough statistical study reported is capable of differentiating between species of the A. gambiae complex. Whereas 9 of the 10 strains studied could be distinguished from one another, 8 of the strains fell into three species-groups. The results indicate that by this technique it may be possible to discern subtle species relationships not yet established by conventional taxonomy.

A chromatographic study of the systematic relationship within the Anopheles gambiae complex

In the planning of malaria eradication programmes for Africa, it is necessary to be able to characterize and distinguish between various species of the Anopheles gambiae complex in order to proceed on a sound and economic basis. However, at present there are no reliable taxonomic methods for separating the sibling species which comprise Groups A and B.The study reported was undertaken to investigate the possibility of differentiating morphologically indistinguishable members of this complex on the basis of chromatographic patterns of fluorescing components obtained from extracts of adult mosquitos. The results indicate that this biochemical taxonomic method can be used to characterize and differentiate A. gambiae species that are indistinguishable by conventional taxonomy.