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Wangrawa DW, Odero JO, Baldini F, Okumu F, Badolo A. Distribution and insecticide resistance profile of the major malaria vector Anopheles funestus group across the African continent. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:119-137. [PMID: 38303659 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
There has been significant progress in malaria control in the last 2 decades, with a decline in mortality and morbidity. However, these gains are jeopardised by insecticide resistance, which negatively impacts the core interventions, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). While most malaria control and research efforts are still focused on Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes, Anopheles funestus remains an important vector in many countries and, in some cases, contributes to most of the local transmission. As countries move towards malaria elimination, it is important to ensure that all dominant vector species, including An. funestus, an important vector in some countries, are targeted. The objective of this review is to compile and discuss information related to A. funestus populations' resistance to insecticides and the mechanisms involved across Africa, emphasising the sibling species and their resistance profiles in relation to malaria elimination goals. Data on insecticide resistance in An. funestus malaria vectors in Africa were extracted from published studies. Online bibliographic databases, including Google Scholar and PubMed, were used to search for relevant studies. Articles published between 2000 and May 2023 reporting resistance of An. funestus to insecticides and associated mechanisms were included. Those reporting only bionomics were excluded. Spatial variation in species distribution and resistance to insecticides was recorded from 174 articles that met the selection criteria. It was found that An. funestus was increasingly resistant to the four classes of insecticides recommended by the World Health Organisation for malaria vector control; however, this varied by country. Insecticide resistance appears to reduce the effectiveness of vector control methods, particularly IRS and ITN. Biochemical resistance due to detoxification enzymes (P450s and glutathione-S-transferases [GSTs]) in An. funestus was widely recorded. However, An. funestus in Africa remains susceptible to other insecticide classes, such as organophosphates and neonicotinoids. This review highlights the increasing insecticide resistance of An. funestus mosquitoes, which are important malaria vectors in Africa, posing a significant challenge to malaria control efforts. While An. funestus has shown resistance to the recommended insecticide classes, notably pyrethroids and, in some cases, organochlorides and carbamates, it remains susceptible to other classes of insecticides such as organophosphates and neonicotinoids, providing potential alternative options for vector control strategies. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions that consider the population structure and geographical distribution of An. funestus, including its sibling species and their insecticide resistance profiles, to effectively achieve malaria elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri W Wangrawa
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Département des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université Norbert Zongo, Koudougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Joel O Odero
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Francesco Baldini
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fredros Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Athanase Badolo
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Hadj-Henni L, Djerada Z, Millot C, Cousinat M, Lehrter V, Augot D. Wing morphology variations in Culicoides circumscriptus from France. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1089772. [PMID: 37168098 PMCID: PMC10164937 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1089772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The biting midge Culicoides circumscriptus Kieffer, 1918 is a European widespread vector of avian malaria throughout the continent and is a possible vector of Akabane virus and Bluetongue virus. This species populates a wide range of environments in contrasting ecological settings often exposed to strong seasonal fluctuations. The main goals of this study were to investigate C. circumscriptus phenotypic variation at three departments in France (Corsica Island, Moselle and Var) and to determine if its phenotypes vary with the environment. Culicoides circumscriptus wing phenotypes were analyzed using a geometric morphometric approach based on anatomical landmarks and outlines of the wing. Dendogram trees based on landmarks and the outlines-2 set (cell m4) showed similar topologies and separated populations of C. circumscriptus. In contrast, another set of outlines-1 (covering the r-m cross vein, M, radiale and arculus) presented a different hierarchical clustering tree. The phenotypic variation observed in C. circumscriptus indicated that these populations are exposed to environmental and ecological pressures. Our results suggest the presence of phenotypic plasticity in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hadj-Henni
- Usc Vecpar-ANSES LSA, EA 7510, SFR Cap Santé, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims Cedex, France
| | - Zoubir Djerada
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, EA 3801, SFR Cap Santé, Reims University Hospital, Reims Cedex, France
| | - Christine Millot
- Usc Vecpar-ANSES LSA, EA 7510, SFR Cap Santé, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims Cedex, France
- *Correspondence: Christine Millot, ; Denis Augot,
| | - Mireille Cousinat
- Usc Vecpar-ANSES LSA, EA 7510, SFR Cap Santé, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims Cedex, France
| | - Véronique Lehrter
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Unité BioSpecT, EA7506, SFR Cap Santé, UFR de Pharmacie, Reims, France
| | - Denis Augot
- Usc Vecpar-ANSES LSA, EA 7510, SFR Cap Santé, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims Cedex, France
- ANSES, INRAe, ENVA, UMR-BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
- *Correspondence: Christine Millot, ; Denis Augot,
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Altamiranda-Saavedra M, Naranjo-Díaz N, Conn JE, Correa MM. Entomological parameters and population structure at a microgeographic scale of the main Colombian malaria vectors Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles nuneztovari. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280066. [PMID: 36607981 PMCID: PMC9821454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Population subdivision among several neotropical malaria vectors has been widely evaluated; however, few studies have analyzed population variation at a microgeographic scale, wherein local environmental variables may lead to population differentiation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic and geometric morphometric structure of Anopheles nuneztovari and Anopheles albimanus in endemic localities of northwestern Colombia. Genetic and phenetic structures were evaluated using microsatellites markers and wing geometric morphometrics, respectively. In addition, entomological indices of importance in transmission were calculated. Results showed that the main biting peaks of Anopheles nuneztovari were between 20:00 and 22:00, whereas Anopheles albimanus exhibited more variation in biting times among localities. Infection in An. nuneztovari by Plasmodium spp. (IR: 4.35%) and the annual entomological inoculation rate (30.31), indicated high vector exposure and local transmission risk. We did not detect Plasmodium-infected An. albimanus in this study. In general, low genetic and phenetic subdivision among the populations of both vectors was detected using a combination of phenotypic, genetic and environmental data. The results indicated high regional gene flow, although local environmental characteristics may be influencing the wing conformation differentiation and behavioral variation observed in An. albimanus. Furthermore, the population subdivision detected by microsatellite markers for both species by Bayesian genetic analysis provides a more accurate picture of the current genetic structure in comparison to previous studies. Finally, the biting behavior variation observed for both vectors among localities suggests the need for continuous malaria vector surveys covering the endemic region to implement the most effective integrated local control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Altamiranda-Saavedra
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Bioforense, Tecnológico de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Nelson Naranjo-Díaz
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Bioforense, Tecnológico de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jan E. Conn
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York-Albany, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Margarita M. Correa
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- * E-mail:
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Boumaza M, Merabti B, Adjami Y, Ouakid ML, Carvajal TM. Geometric Morphometric Wing Analysis of Avian Malaria Vector, Culiseta longiareolata, from Two Locations in Algeria. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13111031. [PMID: 36354855 PMCID: PMC9693553 DOI: 10.3390/insects13111031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The application of geometric morphometry on mosquito wings (Culicidae) is considered a powerful tool for evaluating correlations between the phenotype (e.g., shape) and environmental or genetic variables. However, this has not been used to study the wings of the avian malaria vector, Culiseta longiareolata. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate the intra-specific wing variations between male and female Cs. longiareolata populations in different types of larval habitats and climatic conditions in Algeria. A total of 256 Cs. longiareolata mosquito samples were collected from January 2020 to July 2021 in three cities (Annaba, El-Tarf, and Guelma) of northeastern Algeria that have two distinct climatic condition levels (sub-humid and sub-arid) and different types of larval habitats (artificial and natural). Nineteen (19) wing landmarks (LMs) were digitized and analyzed based on geometric morphometry. Our results revealed differences in the wing shape of female and male mosquito populations, indicating sexual dimorphism. Moreover, canonical variance analysis (CVA) showed that factors, such as climatic conditions and type of larval habitats, also affect the wing shape of female and male Cs. longiareolata mosquito populations. Furthermore, the wing shape of male populations was more distinct compared with female populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounir Boumaza
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, B.P. 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria
- Ecology Laboratory of Marine and Coastal Environments (EMMAL), Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria
| | - Brahim Merabti
- Laboratory of Genetic, Biotechnology and Valorization of Bioresources (LGBVB), University of Biskra, Biskra 07000, Algeria
| | - Yasmine Adjami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, B.P. 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria
- Ecology Laboratory of Marine and Coastal Environments (EMMAL), Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria
| | - Mohamed Laid Ouakid
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, B.P. 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria
- Ecology Laboratory of Marine and Coastal Environments (EMMAL), Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria
| | - Thaddeus M. Carvajal
- Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila 1004, Philippines
- Ehime University-De La Salle University International Collaborative Research Laboratory, Laguna Campus, De La Salle University, Laguna 4024, Philippines
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de Paiva VF, Belintani T, de Oliveira J, Galvão C, da Rosa JA. A review of the taxonomy and biology of Triatominae subspecies (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:499-512. [PMID: 34984541 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07414-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Due to its public health importance, as vectors of Chagas disease, the subfamily Triatominae, has received the attention of taxonomists. Knowing how to correctly identify these insects is of paramount importance for the surveillance and control of these vectors. Over many years, more than 40 triatomine subspecies were proposed. Infraspecific taxa are accepted as real entities in nature and recognized as biologically significant. Infraspecific diversity and population subdivision are frequently confused with the underlying mechanisms that lead to the formation of new species and species-level diversity. The distinction between infraspecific and interspecific divergence processes has received far less attention than species delimitation. In this work, new literature data on subspecies included in the subfamily Triatominae are presented. Data were compiled about Triatoma brasiliensis, Triatoma breyeri, Triatoma circummaculata, Triatoma dimidiata, Triatoma incrassata, Triatoma infestans, Triatoma phyllosoma, Triatoma protracta, Triatoma recurva, Triatoma rubida, Triatoma sanguisuga, Triatoma vitticeps, Panstrongylus megistus, Paratriatoma hirsuta, and Paratriatoma lecticularia subspecies. Although several of these subspecies have been synonymized, herein, we emphasize that some subspecies may be valid. Therefore, further studies are needed on the taxonomy, evolution, phylogeny, biogeography, ecology, physiology, and behavior of species to reinforce, or to invalidate the infraspecific status in the subfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Fernandes de Paiva
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiago Belintani
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jader de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Entomologia Em Saúde Pública, Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cleber Galvão
- Laboratório Nacional E Internacional de Referência Em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - João Aristeu da Rosa
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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Bellin N, Calzolari M, Callegari E, Bonilauri P, Grisendi A, Dottori M, Rossi V. Geometric morphometrics and machine learning as tools for the identification of sibling mosquito species of the Maculipennis complex (Anopheles). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 95:105034. [PMID: 34384936 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Geometric morphometrics allows researchers to use the specific software to quantify and to visualize morphological differences between taxa from insect wings. Our objective was to assess wing geometry to distinguish four Anopheles sibling species of the Maculipennis complex, An. maculipennis s. s., An. daciae sp. inq., An. atroparvus and An. melanoon, found in Northern Italy. We combined the geometric morphometric approach with different machine learning alghorithms: support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN) and an ensemble model (EN). Centroid size was smaller in An. atroparvus than in An. maculipennis s. s. and An. daciae sp. inq. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained only 33% of the total variance and appeared not very useful to discriminate among species, and in particular between An. maculipennis s. s. and An. daciae sp. inq. The performance of four different machine learning alghorithms using procrustes coordinates of wing shape as predictors was evaluated. All models showed ROC-AUC and PRC-AUC values that were higher than the random classifier but the SVM algorithm maximized the most metrics on the test set. The SVM algorithm with radial basis function allowed the correct classification of 83% of An. maculipennis s. s. and 79% of An. daciae sp. inq. ROC-AUC analysis showed that three landmarks, 11, 16 and 15, were the most important procrustes coordinates in mean wing shape comparison between An. maculipennis s. s. and An. daciae sp. inq. The pattern in the three-dimensional space of the most important procrustes coordinates showed a clearer differentiation between the two species than the PCA. Our study demonstrated that machine learning algorithms could be a useful tool combined with the wing geometric morphometric approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Bellin
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Callegari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Grisendi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Michele Dottori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Valeria Rossi
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Danwang C, Khalil É, Achu D, Ateba M, Abomabo M, Souopgui J, De Keukeleire M, Robert A. Fine scale analysis of malaria incidence in under-5: hierarchical Bayesian spatio-temporal modelling of routinely collected malaria data between 2012-2018 in Cameroon. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11408. [PMID: 34075157 PMCID: PMC8169670 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90997-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aims to provide a fine-scale spatiotemporal estimate of malaria incidence among Cameroonian under-5, and to determine its associated environmental factors, to set up preventive interventions that are adapted to each health district of Cameroon. Routine data on symptomatic malaria in children under-5 collected in health facilities, between 2012 and 2018 were used. The trend of malaria cases was assessed by the Mann–Kendall (M–K) test. A time series decomposition was applied to malaria incidence to extract the seasonal component. Malaria risk was estimated by the standardised incidence ratio (SIR) and smoothed by a hierarchical Bayesian spatiotemporal model. In total, 4,052,216 cases of malaria were diagnosed between 2012 and 2018. There was a gradual increase per year, from 369,178 in 2012 to 652,661 in 2018. After adjusting the data for completeness, the national incidence ranged from 489‰ in 2012 to 603‰ in 2018, with an upward trend (M–K test p-value < 0.001). At the regional level, an upward trend was observed in Adamaoua, Centre without Yaoundé, East, and South regions. There was a positive spatial autocorrelation of the number of malaria incident-cases per district per year as suggested by the Moran’s I test (statistic range between 0.11 and 0.53). The crude SIR showed a heterogeneous malaria risk with values ranging from 0.00 to 8.90, meaning that some health districts have a risk 8.9 times higher than the national annual level. The incidence and risk of malaria among under-5 in Cameroon are heterogeneous and vary significantly across health districts and seasons. It is crucial to adapt malaria prevention measures to the specificities of each health district, in order to reduce its burden in health districts where the trend is upward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestin Danwang
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Box: B1.30.13, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Élie Khalil
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Box: B1.30.13, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dorothy Achu
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Marcelin Ateba
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Moïse Abomabo
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Mathilde De Keukeleire
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Box: B1.30.13, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annie Robert
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Box: B1.30.13, Brussels, Belgium
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Demirci B, Bedir H, Akiner MM. Landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis of wing size and wing shape among Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) populations in Turkey. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2021; 46:103-111. [PMID: 35229587 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-46.1.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) has a widespread distribution that includes both temperate and tropical climates. It is a potential vector of several important worldwide arboviruses, including chikungunya, zika, and dengue, and its geographical distribution expands rapidly. Despite its vectorial importance, the bioecological features of this species in newly established environments are still not very well known. Thus, this study investigated phenotypic variations among Ae. albopictus populations from different regions in Turkey. This is the first comparative morphological study of Ae. albopictus populations in Turkey. The procrustes distances phenogram derived from wing data indicates that the shape differences among some populations and the population from the Aegean coast differ from the Black Sea populations. Size differences were also detected between some populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Demirci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Letters, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey,
| | - Hilal Bedir
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - M Mustafa Akiner
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
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Ogega OM, Alobo M. Impact of 1.5 oC and 2 oC global warming scenarios on malaria transmission in East Africa. AAS Open Res 2021; 3:22. [PMID: 33842833 PMCID: PMC8008358 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13074.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a global challenge with approximately 228 million cases and 405,000 malaria-related deaths reported in 2018 alone; 93% of which were in sub-Saharan Africa. Aware of the critical role than environmental factors play in malaria transmission, this study aimed at assessing the relationship between precipitation, temperature, and clinical malaria cases in East Africa and how the relationship may change under 1.5
oC and 2.0
oC global warming levels (hereinafter GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively). Methods: A correlation analysis was done to establish the current relationship between annual precipitation, mean temperature, and clinical malaria cases. Differences between annual precipitation and mean temperature value projections for periods 2008-2037 and 2023-2052 (corresponding to GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively), relative to the control period (1977-2005), were computed to determine how malaria transmission may change under the two global warming scenarios. Results: A predominantly positive/negative correlation between clinical malaria cases and temperature/precipitation was observed. Relative to the control period, no major significant changes in precipitation were shown in both warming scenarios. However, an increase in temperature of between 0.5
oC and 1.5
oC and 1.0
oC to 2.0
oC under GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively, was recorded. Hence, more areas in East Africa are likely to be exposed to temperature thresholds favourable for increased malaria vector abundance and, hence, potentially intensify malaria transmission in the region. Conclusions: GWL1.5 and GWL2.0 scenarios are likely to intensify malaria transmission in East Africa. Ongoing interventions should, therefore, be intensified to sustain the gains made towards malaria elimination in East Africa in a warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obed Matundura Ogega
- Programmes, The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,School of Environmental Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Moses Alobo
- Programmes, The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
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Ogega OM, Alobo M. Impact of 1.5 oC and 2 oC global warming scenarios on malaria transmission in East Africa. AAS Open Res 2021; 3:22. [PMID: 33842833 PMCID: PMC8008358 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13074.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a global challenge with approximately 228 million cases and 405,000 malaria-related deaths reported in 2018 alone; 93% of which were in sub-Saharan Africa. Aware of the critical role than environmental factors play in malaria transmission, this study aimed at assessing the relationship between precipitation, temperature, and clinical malaria cases in East Africa and how the relationship may change under 1.5 oC and 2.0 oC global warming levels (hereinafter GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively). Methods: A correlation analysis was done to establish the current relationship between annual precipitation, mean temperature, and clinical malaria cases. Differences between annual precipitation and mean temperature value projections for periods 2008-2037 and 2023-2052 (corresponding to GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively), relative to the control period (1977-2005), were computed to determine how malaria transmission may change under the two global warming scenarios. Results: A predominantly positive/negative correlation between clinical malaria cases and temperature/precipitation was observed. Relative to the control period, no major significant changes in precipitation were shown in both warming scenarios. However, an increase in temperature of between 0.5 oC and 1.5 oC and 1.0 oC to 2.0 oC under GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively, was recorded. Hence, more areas in East Africa are likely to be exposed to temperature thresholds favourable for increased malaria vector abundance and, hence, potentially intensify malaria transmission in the region. Conclusions: GWL1.5 and GWL2.0 scenarios are likely to intensify malaria transmission in East Africa. Ongoing interventions should, therefore, be intensified to sustain the gains made towards malaria elimination in East Africa in a warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obed Matundura Ogega
- Programmes, The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Environmental Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Moses Alobo
- Programmes, The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
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Sandeu MM, Mulamba C, Weedall GD, Wondji CS. A differential expression of pyrethroid resistance genes in the malaria vector Anopheles funestus across Uganda is associated with patterns of gene flow. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240743. [PMID: 33170837 PMCID: PMC7654797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insecticide resistance is challenging the effectiveness of insecticide-based control interventions to reduce malaria burden in Africa. Understanding the molecular basis of insecticides resistance and patterns of gene flow in major malaria vectors such as Anopheles funestus are important steps for designing effective resistance management strategies. Here, we investigated the association between patterns of genetic structure and expression profiles of genes involved in the pyrethroid resistance in An. funestus across Uganda and neighboring Kenya. METHODS Blood-fed mosquitoes An. funestus were collected across the four localities in Uganda and neighboring Kenya. A Microarray-based genome-wide transcription analysis was performed to identify the set of genes associated with permethrin resistance. 17 microsatellites markers were genotyped and used to establish patterns of genetic differentiation. RESULTS Microarray-based genome-wide transcription profiling of pyrethroid resistance in four locations across Uganda (Arua, Bulambuli, Lira, and Tororo) and Kenya (Kisumu) revealed that resistance was mainly driven by metabolic resistance. The most commonly up-regulated genes in pyrethroid resistance mosquitoes include cytochrome P450s (CYP9K1, CYP6M7, CYP4H18, CYP4H17, CYP4C36). However, expression levels of key genes vary geographically such as the P450 CYP6M7 [Fold-change (FC) = 115.8 (Arua) vs 24.05 (Tororo) and 16.9 (Kisumu)]. In addition, several genes from other families were also over-expressed including Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), carboxylesterases, trypsin, glycogenin, and nucleotide binding protein which probably contribute to insecticide resistance across Uganda and Kenya. Genotyping of 17 microsatellite loci in the five locations provided evidence that a geographical shift in the resistance mechanisms could be associated with patterns of population structure throughout East Africa. Genetic and population structure analyses indicated significant genetic differentiation between Arua and other localities (FST>0.03) and revealed a barrier to gene flow between Arua and other areas, possibly associated with Rift Valley. CONCLUSION The correlation between patterns of genetic structure and variation in gene expression could be used to inform future interventions especially as new insecticides are gradually introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Marcel Sandeu
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), LSTM Research Unit, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Charles Mulamba
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gareth D. Weedall
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Charles S. Wondji
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), LSTM Research Unit, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Multini LC, de Souza ALDS, Marrelli MT, Wilke ABB. The influence of anthropogenic habitat fragmentation on the genetic structure and diversity of the malaria vector Anopheles cruzii (Diptera: Culicidae). Sci Rep 2020; 10:18018. [PMID: 33093465 PMCID: PMC7581522 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74152-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragmentation of natural environments as a result of human interference has been associated with a decrease in species richness and increase in abundance of a few species that have adapted to these environments. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest, which has been undergoing an intense process of fragmentation and deforestation caused by human-made changes to the environment, is an important hotspot for malaria transmission. The main vector of simian and human malaria in this biome is the mosquito Anopheles cruzii. Anthropogenic processes reduce the availability of natural resources at the tree canopies, An. cruzii primary habitat. As a consequence, An. cruzii moves to the border of the Atlantic Forest nearing urban areas seeking resources, increasing their contact with humans in the process. We hypothesized that different levels of anthropogenic changes to the environment can be an important factor in driving the genetic structure and diversity in An. cruzii populations. Five different hypotheses using a cross-sectional and a longitudinal design were tested to assess genetic structure in sympatric An. cruzii populations and microevolutionary processes driving these populations. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were used to assess microgeographic genetic structure in An. cruzii populations in a low-endemicity area in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Our results show an overall weak genetic structure among the populations, indicating a high gene flow system. However, our results also pointed to the presence of significant genetic structure between sympatric An. cruzii populations collected at ground and tree-canopy habitats in the urban environment and higher genetic variation in the ground-level population. This indicates that anthropogenic modifications leading to habitat fragmentation and a higher genetic diversity and structure in ground-level populations could be driving the behavior of An. cruzii, ultimately increasing its contact with humans. Understanding how anthropogenic changes in natural areas affect An. cruzii is essential for the development of more effective mosquito control strategies and, on a broader scale, for malaria-elimination efforts in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cristina Multini
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mauro Toledo Marrelli
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- São Paulo Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André Barretto Bruno Wilke
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1120 Northwest 14th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Lukindu M, Love RR, Guelbeogo MW, Small ST, Stephens MT, Campbell NR, Sagnon N, Costantini C, Besansky NJ. High-Throughput Genotyping of Common Chromosomal Inversions in the Afrotropical Malaria Mosquito Anopheles Funestus. INSECTS 2020; 11:E693. [PMID: 33065978 PMCID: PMC7650614 DOI: 10.3390/insects11100693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphic chromosomal inversions have been implicated in local adaptation. In anopheline mosquitoes, inversions also contribute to epidemiologically relevant phenotypes such as resting behavior. Progress in understanding these phenotypes and their mechanistic basis has been hindered because the only available method for inversion genotyping relies on traditional cytogenetic karyotyping, a rate-limiting and technically difficult approach that is possible only for the fraction of the adult female population at the correct gonotrophic stage. Here, we focus on an understudied malaria vector of major importance in sub-Saharan Africa, Anopheles funestus. We ascertain and validate tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using high throughput molecular assays that allow rapid inversion genotyping of the three most common An. funestus inversions at scale, overcoming the cytogenetic karyotyping barrier. These same inversions are the only available markers for distinguishing two An. funestus ecotypes that differ in indoor resting behavior, Folonzo and Kiribina. Our new inversion genotyping tools will facilitate studies of ecotypic differentiation in An. funestus and provide a means to improve our understanding of the roles of Folonzo and Kiribina in malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lukindu
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (M.L.); (R.R.L.); (S.T.S.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - R. Rebecca Love
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (M.L.); (R.R.L.); (S.T.S.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - Moussa W. Guelbeogo
- Centre National de Recherche et Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; (M.W.G.); (N.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Scott T. Small
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (M.L.); (R.R.L.); (S.T.S.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - Melissa T. Stephens
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | | | - N’Fale Sagnon
- Centre National de Recherche et Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; (M.W.G.); (N.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Costantini
- Centre National de Recherche et Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; (M.W.G.); (N.S.); (C.C.)
- 5 MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS 5290, IRD 224, F-34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Nora J. Besansky
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (M.L.); (R.R.L.); (S.T.S.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
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Ogega OM, Alobo M. Impact of 1.5 oC and 2 oC global warming scenarios on malaria transmission in East Africa. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:22. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13074.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a global challenge with approximately 228 million cases and 405,000 malaria-related deaths reported in 2018 alone; 93% of which were in sub-Saharan Africa. Aware of the critical role than environmental factors play in malaria transmission, this study aimed at assessing the relationship between precipitation, temperature, and clinical malaria cases in E. Africa and how the relationship may change under 1.5 oC and 2.0 oC global warming levels (hereinafter GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively). Methods: A correlation analysis was done to establish the current relationship between annual precipitation, mean temperature, and clinical malaria cases. Differences between annual precipitation and mean temperature value projections for periods 2008-2037 and 2023-2052 (corresponding to GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively), relative to the control period (1977-2005), were computed to determine how malaria transmission may change under the two global warming scenarios. Results: A predominantly positive/negative correlation between clinical malaria cases and temperature/precipitation was observed. Relative to the control period, no major significant changes in precipitation were shown in both warming scenarios. However, an increase in temperature of between 0.5 oC and 1.5 oC and 1.0 oC to 2.0 oC under GWL1.5 and GWL2.0, respectively, was recorded. Hence, more areas in E. Africa are likely to be exposed to temperature thresholds favourable for increased malaria vector abundance and, hence, potentially intensify malaria transmission in the region. Conclusions: GWL1.5 and GWL2.0 scenarios are likely to intensify malaria transmission in E. Africa. Ongoing interventions should, therefore, be intensified to sustain the gains made towards malaria elimination in E. Africa in a warming climate.
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Antonio-Nkondjio C, Ndo C, Njiokou F, Bigoga JD, Awono-Ambene P, Etang J, Ekobo AS, Wondji CS. Review of malaria situation in Cameroon: technical viewpoint on challenges and prospects for disease elimination. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:501. [PMID: 31655608 PMCID: PMC6815446 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3753-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria still has a devastating impact on public health and welfare in Cameroon. Despite the increasing number of studies conducted on disease prevalence, transmission patterns or treatment, there are to date, not enough studies summarising findings from previous works in order to identify gaps in knowledge and areas of interest where further evidence is needed to drive malaria elimination efforts. The present study seeks to address these gaps by providing a review of studies conducted so far on malaria in Cameroon since the 1940s to date. Over 250 scientific publications were consulted for this purpose. Although there has been increased scale-up of vector control interventions which significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality to malaria across the country from a prevalence of 41% of the population reporting at least one malaria case episode in 2000 to a prevalence of 24% in 2017, the situation is not yet under control. There is a high variability in disease endemicity between epidemiological settings with prevalence of Plasmodium parasitaemia varying from 7 to 85% in children aged 6 months to 15 years after long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) scale-up. Four species of Plasmodium have been recorded across the country: Plasmodium falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale and P. vivax. Several primate-infecting Plasmodium spp. are also circulating in Cameroon. A decline of artemisinin-based combinations therapeutic efficacy from 97% in 2006 to 90% in 2016 have been reported. Several mutations in the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance (Pfcrt) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (Pfmdr1) genes conferring resistance to either 4-amino-quinoleine, mefloquine, halofanthrine and quinine have been documented. Mutations in the Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes involved in sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine are also on the rise. No mutation associated with artemisinin resistance has been recorded. Sixteen anopheline species contribute to malaria parasite transmission with six recognized as major vectors: An. gambiae, An. coluzzii, An. arabiensis, An. funestus, An. nili and An. moucheti. Studies conducted so far, indicated rapid expansion of DDT, pyrethroid and carbamate resistance in An. gambiae, An. coluzzii, An. arabiensis and An. funestus threatening the performance of LLINs. This review highlights the complex situation of malaria in Cameroon and the need to urgently implement and reinforce integrated control strategies in different epidemiological settings, as part of the substantial efforts to consolidate gains and advance towards malaria elimination in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Antonio-Nkondjio
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), B. P.288 Yaoundé, Cameroun
- Centre for Research in Infectious Disease (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Vector Biology Liverpool School of Tropical medicine Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK
| | - Cyrille Ndo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
- Centre for Research in Infectious Disease (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Flobert Njiokou
- Centre for Research in Infectious Disease (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 337, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jude D. Bigoga
- Laboratory for Vector Biology and control, National Reference Unit for Vector Control, The Biotechnology Center, Nkolbisson-University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 3851, Messa, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Parfait Awono-Ambene
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), B. P.288 Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Josiane Etang
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Paludisme, Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), B. P.288 Yaoundé, Cameroun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Winchester Str. 2, 35394 Gießen, Germany
| | - Albert Same Ekobo
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 337, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Charles S. Wondji
- Centre for Research in Infectious Disease (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Vector Biology Liverpool School of Tropical medicine Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK
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Ghurye J, Koren S, Small ST, Redmond S, Howell P, Phillippy AM, Besansky NJ. A chromosome-scale assembly of the major African malaria vector Anopheles funestus. Gigascience 2019; 8:giz063. [PMID: 31157884 PMCID: PMC6545970 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giz063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anopheles funestus is one of the 3 most consequential and widespread vectors of human malaria in tropical Africa. However, the lack of a high-quality reference genome has hindered the association of phenotypic traits with their genetic basis in this important mosquito. FINDINGS Here we present a new high-quality A. funestus reference genome (AfunF3) assembled using 240× coverage of long-read single-molecule sequencing for contigging, combined with 100× coverage of short-read Hi-C data for chromosome scaffolding. The assembled contigs total 446 Mbp of sequence and contain substantial duplication due to alternative alleles present in the sequenced pool of mosquitos from the FUMOZ colony. Using alignment and depth-of-coverage information, these contigs were deduplicated to a 211 Mbp primary assembly, which is closer to the expected haploid genome size of 250 Mbp. This primary assembly consists of 1,053 contigs organized into 3 chromosome-scale scaffolds with an N50 contig size of 632 kbp and an N50 scaffold size of 93.811 Mbp, representing a 100-fold improvement in continuity versus the current reference assembly, AfunF1. CONCLUSION This highly contiguous and complete A. funestus reference genome assembly will serve as an improved basis for future studies of genomic variation and organization in this important disease vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Ghurye
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, 8125 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sergey Koren
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Scott T Small
- Eck Institute for Global Health and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 317 Galvin Life Science Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Seth Redmond
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Paul Howell
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Adam M Phillippy
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nora J Besansky
- Eck Institute for Global Health and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 317 Galvin Life Science Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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Mikery OF, Rebollar-Téllez EA, Cruz-López LC, Marina CF, Castillo A. Traditional and Geometric Morphometry Analyses of Lutzomyia cruciata (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) Populations of Chiapas, Mexico. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:697-707. [PMID: 30615180 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The presence of Lutzomyia (Tricholateralis) cruciata (Coquillett 1907) species complex has been suggested by morphological analysis of eggs and genetic studies of females. The present work aimed to compare the diversity in morphology of four populations of Lu. cruciata from the Coast of Chiapas, Mexico, using traditional (TM) and geometric (GM) methods. Several morphological characteristics that were analyzed provided consistency to differentiate at least, three populations of Lu. cruciata. Both methods were effective to detect morphological differences associated with the geographical sites of capture. In both sexes, three and four groups were detected by TM and GM, respectively. These results suggest marked morphological differences in both sexes of Lu. cruciata that make these methods potentially useful to identify the geographical origin of any specimen of this species captured in the study region. Although the results produced by both methods are coincident, geometric morphometrics turned out to be most advantageous with respect to traditional morphometry, since the latter requires more time and effort. The consistency of our results shows that the variability of environmental conditions on the coast of Chiapas determines a high degree of phenotypic plasticity in Lu. cruciata, with the possibility of prezygotic isolation and the formation of species complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- O F Mikery
- Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, Grupo de Ecología y Manejo de Artrópodos, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - E A Rebollar-Téllez
- Departamento de Zoología de Invertebrados, Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, México
| | - L C Cruz-López
- Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, Grupo de Ecología y Manejo de Artrópodos, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - C F Marina
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública-INSP, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
| | - A Castillo
- Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, Grupo de Ecología y Manejo de Artrópodos, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
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Altamiranda-Saavedra M, Conn JE, Correa MM. Genetic structure and phenotypic variation of Anopheles darlingi in northwest Colombia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 56:143-151. [PMID: 29138079 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of environmental heterogeneity on Anopheles darlingi genetic and morphometric traits at a microgeographic level. Specimens of An. darlingi collected from multiple municipalities in the Colombian malaria endemic region Urabá-Bajo Cauca and Alto Sinú (UCS) were analyzed using 13 microsatellite loci. Spatial genetic structure, population variation and wing geometric morphometric analyses were performed. Microsatellite results showed low genetic differentiation and high gene flow among populations; four highly admixed subpopulations were detected with no particular association to the municipalities. Wing geometric morphometrics analysis showed a subtle but significant difference in wing shape for El Bagre vs. Mutatá populations, possibly influenced by geographical distance. Discrimination among populations in the morphospace showed a slight separation of the Tierralta population. There was no significant correlation between the genetic and geographic or genetic and environmental distances. We hypothesize that environmental heterogeneity in the UCS region does not reach a threshold to affect population structure of An. darlingi. Another possibility is that microsatellites are not sensitive enough to detect existing structure. It remains to be determined which local factors govern phenotypic variation among these populations and how, or whether these may affect mosquito biology and transmission capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Altamiranda-Saavedra
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jan E Conn
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
| | - Margarita M Correa
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
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Lorenz C, Almeida F, Almeida-Lopes F, Louise C, Pereira SN, Petersen V, Vidal PO, Virginio F, Suesdek L. Geometric morphometrics in mosquitoes: What has been measured? INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 54:205-215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Demari-Silva B, Multini LC, Suesdek L, Oliveira TMP, Sallum MAM, Marrelli MT. Wing Morphometry and Genetic Variability Between Culex coronator and Culex usquatus (Diptera: Culicidae), Two Sibling Species of the Coronator Group. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:901-908. [PMID: 28399207 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Culex coronator Dyar and Knab and Culex usquatus Dyar belong to the Coronator Group of the subgenus Culex. Culex coronator and Cx. usquatus are widespread and sympatric throughout their distribution range, which includes Brazil. Morphological identification of these species is based primarily on the characteristics of the male genitalia; females are indistinguishable using the qualitative characteristics employed in identification keys. The primary objective of this study was to distinguish females of Cx. coronator from those of Cx. usquatus employing both wing geometric morphometrics, and DNA sequences (NADH5, COI, Hunchback, and CAD). Additionally, we employed the isolation with migration model (IMa) to evaluate: 1) the migration rates and 2) the divergence time, between Cx. coronator and Cx. usquatus. Specimens were captured in Pariquera-Açu and Cananéia south-eastern São Paulo, Ribeira Valley, Brazil. Canonical variate analysis (CVA) demonstrated two groups in the morphospace. The accuracy of species recognition was moderate (82.6%) for Cx. coronator and low (60.8%) for Cx. usquatus. Bayesian analyses of concatenated gene sequences recovered from specimens of Cx. coronator separated the species into three lineages (herein referred to as Culex coronator A, B, and C), whereas Cx. usquatus specimens clustered into a single lineage. Lineages A and B of Cx. coronator intermixed with specimens of Cx. usquatus, and one specimen of Cx. coronator clustered into the Cx. usquatus lineage. The IMa analysis indicated that the divergence of Cx. coronator and Cx. usquatus is a slow process, with some degree of gene flow between the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Demari-Silva
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública - Universidade de São Paulo - Avenida Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, CEP 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Laura Cristina Multini
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública - Universidade de São Paulo - Avenida Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, CEP 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Lincoln Suesdek
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo - Avenida Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 740, São Paulo, CEP 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Tatiane M P Oliveira
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública - Universidade de São Paulo - Avenida Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, CEP 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Maria Anice Mureb Sallum
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública - Universidade de São Paulo - Avenida Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, CEP 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Mauro Toledo Marrelli
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública - Universidade de São Paulo - Avenida Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, CEP 01246-904, Brazil
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Stevenson JC, Norris DE. Implicating Cryptic and Novel Anophelines as Malaria Vectors in Africa. INSECTS 2016; 8:E1. [PMID: 28025486 PMCID: PMC5371929 DOI: 10.3390/insects8010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Entomological indices and bionomic descriptions of malaria vectors are essential to accurately describe and understand malaria transmission and for the design and evaluation of appropriate control interventions. In order to correctly assign spatio-temporal distributions, behaviors and responses to interventions to particular anopheline species, identification of mosquitoes must be accurately made. This paper reviews the current methods and their limitations in correctly identifying anopheline mosquitoes in sub-Saharan Africa, and highlights the importance of molecular methods to discriminate cryptic species and identify lesser known anophelines. The increasing number of reports of Plasmodium infections in assumed "minor", non-vector, and cryptic and novel species is reviewed. Their importance in terms of evading current control and elimination strategies and therefore maintaining malaria transmission is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Stevenson
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Macha Research Trust, Choma P.O. Box 630166, Southern Province, Zambia.
| | - Douglas E Norris
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Alencar J, de Mello CF, Gil-Santana HR, da Silva CS, Sarmento JS, de La Fuente ALC. Phenotypic Plasticity In Response To Seasonal Variation In Populations of Culex (Melanoconion) Bastagarius. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION 2016; 32:333-336. [PMID: 28206857 DOI: 10.2987/16-6569.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effects of seasonal variation on phenotypic variation in Culex bastagarius, using geometric morphometric analysis based on wing shape and size. Samples were collected in the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mosquitoes were captured once every 2 months (December 2012-January 2014) using light traps. The results of geometric morphometric analysis revealed variations in wing size; however, variability was not evident in wing shape. The present study provides novel data regarding phenotypic plasticity of Cx. bastagarius that have been scarcely addressed in the past.
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Allam M, Spillings BL, Abdalla H, Mapiye D, Koekemoer LL, Christoffels A. Identification and characterization of microRNAs expressed in the African malaria vector Anopheles funestus life stages using high throughput sequencing. Malar J 2016; 15:542. [PMID: 27825380 PMCID: PMC5101901 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past several years, thousands of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in the genomes of various insects through cloning and sequencing or even by computational prediction. However, the number of miRNAs identified in anopheline species is low and little is known about their role. The mosquito Anopheles funestus is one of the dominant malaria vectors in Africa, which infects and kills millions of people every year. Therefore, small RNA molecules isolated from the four life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae and unfed adult females) of An. funestus were sequenced using next generation sequencing technology. RESULTS High throughput sequencing of four replicates in combination with computational analysis identified 107 mature miRNA sequences expressed in the An. funestus mosquito. These include 20 novel miRNAs without sequence identity in any organism and eight miRNAs not previously reported in the Anopheles genus but are known in non-anopheles mosquitoes. Finally, the changes in the expression of miRNAs during the mosquito development were determined and the analysis showed that many miRNAs have stage-specific expression, and are co-transcribed and co-regulated during development. CONCLUSIONS This study presents the first direct experimental evidence of miRNAs in An. funestus and the first profiling study of miRNA associated with the maturation in this mosquito. Overall, the results indicate that miRNAs play important roles during the growth and development. Silencing such molecules in a specific life stage could decrease the vector population and therefore interrupt malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mushal Allam
- SA Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Cape Town, 7535 South Africa
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, 1 Modderfontein Road, Johannesburg, 2131 South Africa
| | - Belinda L. Spillings
- Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, 1 Modderfontein Road, Johannesburg, 2131 South Africa
| | - Hiba Abdalla
- Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, 1 Modderfontein Road, Johannesburg, 2131 South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Research Institute for Malaria, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Johannesburg, 2000 South Africa
- Vector Biology & Control Unit, Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Disease, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Darlington Mapiye
- SA Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Cape Town, 7535 South Africa
| | - Lizette L. Koekemoer
- Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, 1 Modderfontein Road, Johannesburg, 2131 South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Research Institute for Malaria, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Johannesburg, 2000 South Africa
| | - Alan Christoffels
- SA Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Cape Town, 7535 South Africa
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Changbunjong T, Sumruayphol S, Weluwanarak T, Ruangsittichai J, Dujardin JP. Landmark and outline-based geometric morphometrics analysis of three Stomoxys flies (Diptera: Muscidae). Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2016; 63. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2016.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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The wing venation patterns to identify single tsetse flies. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 47:132-139. [PMID: 27765637 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This is the first study to explore the potential of various geometric morphometrics methods to help the morphological diagnostic of tsetse species, vectors of human and animal trypanosomiases in sub-Saharan Africa. We compared landmarks, semilandmarks and outlines techniques on male and female samples of species, and suggested adapted strategies according to the countries and their own Glossina fauna. We could compare up to 7 taxa belonging to the three main subgenera of the Glossina genus: Nemorhina (5 species), Glossina (1 species) and Austenina (1 species). Our sample included the major vectors of sleeping sickness: G. palpalis palpalis, G. p. gambiensis, G. fuscipes fuscipes and G. f. quanzensis, as well as two important vectors of African animal trypanosomoses: G. tachinoides and Glossina morsitans submorsitans. The average level of correct species recognition by the wing shape was satisfactory, and slightly higher for females than for males. The best scores of correct assignment, in both sexes, were obtained by the contour technique (96% of correct attribution in females, 92% in males), slightly higher than for semilandmarks (95% and 91%) or landmarks (94% and 89%) techniques. We made our images of wings freely available to be used as reference images (http://mome-clic.com), and we describe the conditions and the analytical steps to be followed to identify unknown specimens using external reference images. Under adequate conditions, such use of reference images obtained from a free access server could help species identification of new samples anywhere in Africa.
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Monsalve Y, Panzera F, Herrera L, Triana-Chávez O, Gómez-Palacio A. Population differentiation of the Chagas disease vector Triatoma maculata (Erichson, 1848) from Colombia and Venezuela. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2016; 41:72-79. [PMID: 27232127 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The emerging vector of Chagas disease, Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera, Reduviidae), is one of the most widely distributed Triatoma species in northern South America. Despite its increasing relevance as a vector, no consistent picture of the magnitude of genetic and phenetic diversity has yet been developed. Here, several populations of T. maculata from eleven Colombia and Venezuela localities were analyzed based on the morphometry of wings and the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene sequences. Our results showed clear morphometric and genetic differences among Colombian and Venezuelan populations, indicating high intraspecific diversity. Inter-population divergence is suggested related to East Cordillera in Colombia. Analyses of other populations from Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil from distinct eco-geographic regions are still needed to understand its systematics and phylogeography as well as its actual role as a vector of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoman Monsalve
- Grupo Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas - BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Francisco Panzera
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leidi Herrera
- Instituto de Zoología y Ecologia Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Omar Triana-Chávez
- Grupo Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas - BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Andrés Gómez-Palacio
- Grupo Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas - BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.
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Measurement error in geometric morphometrics. Dev Genes Evol 2016; 226:139-58. [DOI: 10.1007/s00427-016-0537-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Discrimination of four Culex (Culex) species from the Neotropics based on geometric morphometrics. ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-015-0271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hidalgo K, Dujardin JP, Mouline K, Dabiré RK, Renault D, Simard F. Seasonal variation in wing size and shape between geographic populations of the malaria vector, Anopheles coluzzii in Burkina Faso (West Africa). Acta Trop 2015; 143:79-88. [PMID: 25579425 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mosquito, Anopheles coluzzii is a major vector of human malaria in Africa with widespread distribution throughout the continent. The species hence populates a wide range of environments in contrasted ecological settings often exposed to strong seasonal fluctuations. In the dry savannahs of West Africa, this mosquito population dynamics closely follows the pace of surface water availability: the species pullulates during the rainy season and is able to reproduce throughout the dry season in areas where permanent water bodies are available for breeding. The impact of such environmental fluctuation on mosquito development and the phenotypic quality of emerging adults has however not been addressed in details. Here, we examined and compared phenotypic changes in the duration of pre-imaginal development, body dry mass at emergence and wing size, shape and surface area in young adult females An. coluzzii originated from five distinct geographic locations when they are reared in two contrasting conditions mimicking those experienced by mosquitoes during the rainy season (RS) and at the onset of the dry season (ODS) in Burkina Faso (West Africa). Our results demonstrated strong phenotypic plasticity in all traits, with differences in the magnitude and direction of changes between RS and ODS depending upon the geographic origin, hence the genetic background of the mosquito populations. Highest heterogeneity within population was observed in Bama, where large irrigation schemes allow year-round mosquito breeding. Further studies are needed to explore the adaptive value of such phenotypic plasticity and its relevance for local adaptation in An. coluzzii.
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Gómez GF, Márquez EJ, Gutiérrez LA, Conn JE, Correa MM. Geometric morphometric analysis of Colombian Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae) reveals significant effect of environmental factors on wing traits and presence of a metapopulation. Acta Trop 2014; 135:75-85. [PMID: 24704285 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Anopheles albimanus is a major malaria mosquito vector in Colombia. In the present study, wing variability (size and shape) in An. albimanus populations from Colombian Maracaibo and Chocó bio-geographical eco-regions and the relationship of these phenotypic traits with environmental factors were evaluated. Microsatellite and morphometric data facilitated a comparison of the genetic and phenetic structure of this species. Wing size was influenced by elevation and relative humidity, whereas wing shape was affected by these two variables and also by rainfall, latitude, temperature and eco-region. Significant differences in mean shape between populations and eco-regions were detected, but they were smaller than those at the intra-population level. Correct assignment based on wing shape was low at the population level (<58%) and only slightly higher (>70%) at the eco-regional level, supporting the low population structure inferred from microsatellite data. Wing size was similar among populations with no significant differences between eco-regions. Population relationships in the genetic tree did not agree with those from the morphometric data; however, both datasets consistently reinforced a panmictic population of An. albimanus. Overall, site-specific population differentiation is not strongly supported by wing traits or genotypic data. We hypothesize that the metapopulation structure of An. albimanus throughout these Colombian eco-regions is favoring plasticity in wing traits, a relevant characteristic of species living under variable environmental conditions and colonizing new habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovan F Gómez
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Edna J Márquez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Lina A Gutiérrez
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Jan E Conn
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, 12159 NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, 12222 NY, USA.
| | - Margarita M Correa
- Grupo de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
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Ayala D, Ullastres A, González J. Adaptation through chromosomal inversions in Anopheles. Front Genet 2014; 5:129. [PMID: 24904633 PMCID: PMC4033225 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal inversions have been repeatedly involved in local adaptation in a large number of animals and plants. The ecological and behavioral plasticity of Anopheles species-human malaria vectors-is mirrored by high amounts of polymorphic inversions. The adaptive significance of chromosomal inversions has been consistently attested by strong and significant correlations between their frequencies and a number of phenotypic traits. Here, we provide an extensive literature review of the different adaptive traits associated with chromosomal inversions in the genus Anopheles. Traits having important consequences for the success of present and future vector control measures, such as insecticide resistance and behavioral changes, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ayala
- UMR 224 MIVEGEC/BEES, IRD Montpellier, France ; Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville Franceville, Gabon
| | - Anna Ullastres
- Comparative and Computational Genomics, Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra) Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefa González
- Comparative and Computational Genomics, Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra) Barcelona, Spain
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Reidenbach KR, Cheng C, Liu F, Liu C, Besansky NJ, Syed Z. Cuticular differences associated with aridity acclimation in African malaria vectors carrying alternative arrangements of inversion 2La. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:176. [PMID: 24721548 PMCID: PMC3991895 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Principal malaria vectors in Africa, An. gambiae and An. coluzzii, share an inversion polymorphism on the left arm of chromosome 2 (2La/2L+a) that is distributed non-randomly in the environment. Genomic sequencing studies support the role of strong natural selection in maintaining steep clines in 2La inversion frequency along environmental gradients of aridity, and physiological studies have directly implicated 2La in heat and desiccation tolerance, but the precise genetic basis and the underlying behavioral and physiological mechanisms remain unknown. As the insect cuticle is the primary barrier to water loss, differences in cuticle thickness and/or epicuticular waterproofing associated with alternative 2La arrangements might help explain differences in desiccation resistance. METHODS To test that hypothesis, two subcolonies of both An. gambiae and An. coluzzii were established that were fixed for alternative 2La arrangements (2La or 2L+a) on an otherwise homosequential and shared genetic background. Adult mosquitoes reared under controlled environmental conditions (benign or arid) for eight days post-eclosion were collected and analyzed. Measurements of cuticle thickness were made based on scanning electron microscopy, and cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) composition was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS After removing the allometric effects of body weight, differences in mean cuticle thickness were found between alternative 2La karyotypes, but not between alternative environments. Moreover, the thicker cuticle of the An. coluzzii 2La karyotype was contrary to the known higher rate of water loss of this karyotype relative to 2L+a. On the other hand, quantitative differences in individual CHCs and overall CHC profiles between alternative karyotypes and environmental conditions were consistent with expectation based on previous physiological studies. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that alternative arrangements of the 2La inversion are associated with differences in cuticle thickness and CHC composition, but that only CHC composition appears to be relevant for desiccation resistance. Differences in the CHC composition were consistent with previous findings of a lower rate of water loss for the 2L+a karyotype at eight days post-eclosion, suggesting that CHC composition is an important strategy for maintaining water balance in this genetic background, but not for 2La. Despite a higher rate of water loss at eight days, higher body water content of the 2La karyotype confers a level of desiccation resistance equivalent to that of the 2L+a karyotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nora J Besansky
- Eck Institute for Global Health & Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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Demari-Silva B, Suesdek L, Sallum MAM, Marrelli MT. Wing geometry of Culex coronator (Diptera: Culicidae) from South and Southeast Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:174. [PMID: 24721508 PMCID: PMC4113194 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronator Group encompasses Culex coronator Dyar & Knab, Culex camposi Dyar, Culex covagarciai Forattini, Culex ousqua Dyar, Culex usquatissimus Dyar, Culex usquatus Dyar and Culex yojoae Strickman. Culex coronator has the largest geographic distribution, occurring in North, Central and South America. Moreover, it is a potential vector-borne mosquito species because females have been found naturally infected with several arboviruses, i.e., Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus and West Nile Virus. Considering the epidemiological importance of Cx. coronator, we investigated the wing shape diversity of Cx. coronator from South and Southeast Brazil, a method to preliminarily estimate population diversity. METHODS Field-collected immature stages of seven populations from a large geographical area in Brazil were maintained in the laboratory to obtain both females and males linked with pupal and/or larval exuviae. For each individual female, 18 landmarks of left wings were marked and digitalized. After Procrustes superimposition, discriminant analysis of shape was employed to quantify wing shape variation among populations. The isometric estimator centroid size was calculated to assess the overall wing size and allometry. RESULTS Wing shape was polymorphic among populations of Cx. coronator. However, dissimilarities among populations were higher than those observed within each population, suggesting populational differentiation in Cx. coronator. Morphological distances between populations were not correlated to geographical distances, indicating that other factors may act on wing shape and thus, determining microevolutionary patterns in Cx. coronator. Despite the population differentiation, intrapopulational wing shape variability was equivalent among all seven populations. CONCLUSION The wing variability found in Cx. coronator populations brings to light a new biological problem to be investigated: the population genetics of Cx. coronator. Because of differences in the male genitalia, we also transferred Cx. yojoae to the Apicinus Subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Demari-Silva
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Dr, Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 01246-904.
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Ngo CT, Harbach RE, Garros C, Parzy D, Le HQ, Manguin S. Taxonomic assessment of Anopheles crawfordi and An. dangi of the Hyrcanus Group of subgenus Anopheles in Vietnam. Acta Trop 2013; 128:623-9. [PMID: 24055545 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anopheles dangi, introduced as a new species of the Hyrcanus Group of subgenus Anopheles in an illustrated dichotomous key for the identification of the Anopheles mosquitoes of Vietnam published in 1987, was distinguished from Anopheles crawfordi based on the presence of a humeral pale spot on the base of the costal vein of the wing. However, this character has been known to occur occasionally in An. crawfordi. To determine whether An. dangi is distinct from An. crawfordi, we analyzed nucleotide sequences of the COI, COII and Cyt-b genes of mtDNA and the D3 gene of rDNA obtained from specimens collected in south-central Vietnam that were identified as An. dangi and An. crawfordi based on the presence or absence, respectively, of a humeral pale spot. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses of the sequences showed a low mean genetic distance of 0.004 for specimens identified as An. crawfordi and 0.008 for those identified as An. dangi. The mean genetic distance between the two nominal species was 0.006, compared with 0.077 for any group versus the outgroup taxa Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus, and the specimens of the two forms clustered in a single strongly supported clade. Consequently, An. dangi is merely a morphological variant of An. crawfordi and is deemed to be a synonym of that nominal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Thuy Ngo
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), LIPMC, UMR-MD3, Faculté de Pharmacie, F-34093 Montpellier, France; National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Nattero J, Malerba R, Rodríguez CS, Crocco L. Phenotypic plasticity in response to food source in Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae: Triatominae). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 19:38-44. [PMID: 23831637 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the Gran Chaco region of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, vector transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is still a severe problem because, among other causes, houses are reinfested with Triatoma infestans, the main vector of T. cruzi in southern South America. A better understanding of adaptation and evolution of T. infestans populations may contribute to the selection of appropriate vector control strategies in this region. Phenotypic plasticity is essential to understand development and maintenance of morphological variation. An experimental phenotypic plasticity study was conducted to assess if blood meal source induced head shape and size variation during development in T. infestans. Eighteen full-sib families were assigned to one of two food sources (pigeon and guinea pig) to examine the effect of food source on head shape and size in all nymph instars and adults. Data were analyzed using geometric morphometric tools and phenotypic plasticity analyses. Significant differences in head shape and size were observed between adults fed on different food sources. Allometric effects at the adult stage were observed. Head size showed significant food source × family interaction for fifth-instar nymphs and adults. For head size, significant differences between food sources were observed at stages and in ontogenetic trajectory. Phenotypic plasticity expression was found for head shape and size in adults; indeed, bugs fed on guinea pigs exhibited greater changes in head shape and larger heads than those fed on pigeon. Full-sib families exhibited different patterns of phenotypic expression in response to food source. Food source × family interaction may indicate that the observed variation in phenotypic plasticity may contribute to changes in head morphometry. These results may contribute to the selection of an appropriate control strategy for T. infestans in the Gran Chaco region, since they provide evidences of morphological plasticity in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Nattero
- Cátedra de Introducción a la Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT) CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Avda. Vélez Sarsfield 299, piso 5, X5000JJC Córdoba, Argentina.
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Dujardin JP, Kitthawee S. Phenetic structure of two Bactrocera tau cryptic species (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting Momordica cochinchinensis (Cucurbitaceae) in Thailand and Laos. ZOOLOGY 2013; 116:129-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Morales Vargas RE, Phumala-Morales N, Tsunoda T, Apiwathnasorn C, Dujardin JP. The phenetic structure of Aedes albopictus. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 13:242-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Coetzee M, Koekemoer LL. Molecular systematics and insecticide resistance in the major African malaria vector Anopheles funestus. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 58:393-412. [PMID: 23317045 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120811-153628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Anopheles funestus is one of three major African vectors of malaria. Its distribution extends over much of the tropics and subtropics wherever suitable swampy breeding habitats are present. As with members of the Anopheles gambiae complex, An. funestus shows marked genetic heterogeneity across its range. Currently, two unnamed species are recognized in the group, with molecular and cytogenetic data indicating that more may be present. The control of malaria vectors in Africa has received increased attention in the past decade with the scaling up of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual house spraying. Also in the past decade, the frequency of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes has increased exponentially. Whether this increase is in response to vector control initiatives or because of insecticide use in agriculture is debatable. In this article we examine the progress made on the systematics of the An. funestus group and review research on insecticide resistance and its mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Coetzee
- Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa.
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Ayala D, Guerrero RF, Kirkpatrick M. Reproductive isolation and local adaptation quantified for a chromosome inversion in a malaria mosquito. Evolution 2012; 67:946-58. [PMID: 23550747 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2012.01836.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome inversions have long been thought to be involved in speciation and local adaptation. We have little quantitative information, however, about the effects that inversion polymorphisms have on reproductive isolation and viability. Here we provide the first estimates from any organism for the total amount of reproductive isolation associated with an inversion segregating in natural populations. We sampled chromosomes from 751 mosquitoes of the malaria vector Anopheles funestus along a 1421 km transect in Cameroon that traverses savannah, highland, and rainforest ecological zones. We then developed a series of population genetic models that account for selection, migration, and assortative mating, and fit the models to the data using likelihood. Results from the best-fit models suggest there is strong local adaptation, with relative viabilities of homozygotes ranging from 25% to 130% compared to heterozygotes. Viabilities vary qualitatively between regions: the inversion is underdominant in the savannah, whereas in the highlands it is overdominant. The inversion is also implicated in strong assortative mating. In the savannah, the two homozygote forms show 92% reproductive isolation, suggesting that this one inversion can generate most of the genetic barriers needed for speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ayala
- Section of Integrative Biology C-0930, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
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Charlwood JD, Bragança M. Some like it cool: the effect of ambient temperature on the size of Anopheles funestus from southern Mozambique. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 49:1154-1158. [PMID: 23025198 DOI: 10.1603/me11247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The wing lengths of 3,553 unfed, recently emerged, and 13,256 gravid female Anopheles funestus Giles from exit collections, undertaken between March 2004 and May 2005, were measured. Only in the warmest months were mean wing lengths of unfed females significantly smaller than gravid females. Mean wing lengths of unfed, females varied from 2.26 mm (Bootstrap 95% CI [2.25-2.27]) in January when mean air temperatures were 24.8 degrees C to 2.70 mm (Bootstrap 95% CI [2.68-2.72]) in July when mean temperatures were 8.4 degrees C cooler. Mean wing lengths increased by 0.05 mm for each degree decrease in air temperature. Temperature explained 60% of the variation in wing length.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Charlwood
- DBL Centre for Health Research and Development, 57 Thorvaldensvej, Fredriksberg-C 1871, CP 264, Denmark.
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Wing geometry of Anopheles darlingi Root (Diptera: Culicidae) in five major Brazilian ecoregions. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 12:1246-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Morphometric and molecular evidence of intraspecific biogeographical differentiation of Rhodnius pallescens (HEMIPTERA: REDUVIIDAE: RHODNIINI) from Colombia and Panama. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 12:1975-83. [PMID: 22634278 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Rhodnius pallescens is considered the main vector of Chagas disease in Panama and a relevant secondary vector in northern Colombia. Previous data reported that this species presents cytogenetically heterogeneous populations, which are probably biogeographically segregated. To provide new information on the diversity of R. pallescens, we compared several populations from Colombia and Panama based on the morphometric analyses of wings, mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene sequencing, and genomic DNA measurements. Although no differences in DNA amount were detected, significant differences in cyt b sequences as well as wing size and shape were identified among populations. The results obtained in this work indicate R. pallescens comprises two evolutionary lineages with genetic and morphological differences that could be explained by their geographic isolation in distinct ecological zones. These results provide new insight into R. pallescens population diversity and the underlying biological processes that shape its evolution.
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Márquez E, Jaramillo-O N, Gómez-Palacio A, Dujardin JP. Morphometric and molecular differentiation of a Rhodnius robustus-like form from R. robustus Larousse, 1927 and R. prolixus Stal, 1859 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae). Acta Trop 2011; 120:103-9. [PMID: 21763258 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2011.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 06/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In Triatominae, "robustus" group constitutes a cluster of species with great haplotypic divergences but high similarities at morphological and nuclear DNA levels. Given these similarities, species identification generates a frequently problematic issue. In northwestern Amazonia, Rhodnius robustus cohabit with an apparently new species, cryptic with R. robustus (Abad-Franch and Monteiro, 2005). In this region (municipality of Puerto Asís, Department of Putumayo, Colombia), we collected insects classified as R. robustus by traditional keys. We compared this sample with specimens of R. robustus from Venezuela, and of R. prolixus from Colombia and Venezuela. The comparisons used landmark-based geometric morphometrics, and analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and of D2 variable region of the 28S RNA. The shape of the wings from Puerto Asís specimens disclosed clear-cut divergence from the shape of the wings as found for R. prolixus specimens from Venezuela and Colombia, and diverged from the shape of R. robustus from Venezuela. Thus, morphometric analyses suggested that the Puerto Asís collection could represent a new taxon. Using R. pallescens as an outgroup, a tentative phylogenetic tree based on the geometry of the wing showed the Rhodnius from Puerto Asís more similar to the R. prolixus from Colombia than their congeners from Venezuela. In contrast, the molecular classification clustered Colombian R. prolixus and Venezuelan R. robustus with published GenBank sequences, but it gave the insects from Puerto Asís a basal position to the "robustus" group. This outcome suggests that the Puerto Asís haplotype could be the one found by Abad-Franch and Monteiro (2005). Thus, both morphometric and molecular markers used here, although differing in the phylogenetic classification of samples, could differentiate the Puerto Asís sample from the morphologically similar R. prolixus and R. robustus. This could represent a valuable help in the entomological surveillance related to the control of Chagas disease in the South of Colombia and North of Ecuador.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna Márquez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia, USA.
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