Genetic structure of the malaria vector Anopheles superpictus in Iran using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI and COII) and morphologic markers: A new species complex?

Anopheles superpictus has been implicated as the most widespread malaria vector in Iran. We collected adult specimens from eight provinces across the country and subjected them to a morphological investigation as well as molecular analysis of mitochondrial DNA COI–COII region, using PCR-RFLP and analysis of DNA sequence alignment for 708 bp of the COI locus. Two distinct morphological forms (A and B) of the species were found sympatric in all areas of study. PCR-RFLP using AluI separated the specimens into at least three genotypes (X, Y, and Z), and alignment of DNA sequences revealed a 12.3% variation in the COI region between the genotypes. However, the sequence variation does not correspond to the morphological forms. Our observations suggest that A. superpictus in Iran is likely a group species. However, further ecological, molecular, cytological, and epidemiological studies are necessary to clear the status of the taxon and the potential role of each putative species in the transmission of malaria.