Title of article :
RIBOSOMAL DNA-ITS2 GENOTYPES OF THE MALARIA VECTOR ANOPHELES SUPERPICTUS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) FROM IRAN
Author/Authors :
Oshaghi, M. A Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control - School of Public Health and Institute of Health Research - Medical Sciences University of Tehran , Shemshad, K Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control - School of Public Health and Institute of Health Research - Medical Sciences University of Tehran , Yaghobi-Ershadi, M. R Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control - School of Public Health and Institute of Health Research - Medical Sciences University of Tehran , Vatandosst, H Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control - School of Public Health and Institute of Health Research - Medical Sciences University of Tehran , Abaie, M. R Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control - School of Public Health and Institute of Health Research - Medical Sciences University of Tehran , Zare, Z Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control - School of Public Health and Institute of Health Research - Medical Sciences University of Tehran , Amani, H Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control - School of Public Health and Institute of Health Research - Medical Sciences University of Tehran
Abstract :
Recent advances in DNA based technology have made available a wide range of molecular
characteristics for taxonomic and systematic studies of malaria vectors. One region of the anopheline
mosquito genome that has received particular attention is the ribosomal DNA. In this study, mosquitoes
of the Anopheles superpictus collected from a wide geographical distribution of Iran were investigated
for sequence variation within the ribosomal DNA ITS2. Two morphological forms of this species were
identified based on adult female palpi and compared to genotypes identified by the rDNA ITS2
sequences. Sequence analysis of the ITS2 within and between populations identified three genotypes
designated as X, Y, and Z. Genotype X occurred in north, west, south, and central regions whereas
genotypes Y and Z were found sympatric in Baluchistan in southeast corner of the country. Totally 127
mutations occurred in the 518 bp region sequenced. The rate of genetic variation was 24.52% in which
respectively 0.2%, 0.77% and 23.55% corresponded to 28S, 5.8S, and ITS2 regions. The length of ITS2
region was varied between populations; one group had 357 and other one 378 bp. These genotypes
appeared to be evolving independently suggesting the possibility of cryptic species within taxon. This
study is the first comparative study on morphological and genetic characteristics of An. superpictus and
for the first time in the world reporting this taxon as a species complex.
Keywords :
Anopheles superpictus , rDNA-ITS2 , Genetic population , Malaria , Iran
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics
