Molecular assay using the nuclear ITS2 rDNA on Anopheles maculipennis

Background: Malaria is important diseases in Iran and information on the vector capacities and sibling species distributions of the main vector(s) is important to eliminate malaria program.Objectives: This study was done to determine the sibling species of Anopheles maculipennis, the main vector of malaria in central plateau of Iran.Materials and Methods: The species were collected using Hand collection, and baited bed net trap collection. DNA extraction was performed for PCR with primers targeting the ITS2 rDNA region, sequencing and phylogenetic tree was done to study the evolutionary relationship among the An.maculipennis s.l species.Results: In order to identification of ITS2 gene variation, totally 7 adults and 40 larvae specimens of An.maculipennis were used. Anopheles maculipennis s.s shows one distinct pools of population in central area. It is suggested no evolvement of geographic race or allopatric speciation.Conclusion: It is the one rare studies which defines the occurrence of An.maculipennis s.s in central area of Iran. The molecular assay which defines variation of An. maculipennis using ITS2 rDNA in central Iran with history of malaria. Due to the high abundance of the species in central Iran and the risk of returning the disease, regular molecular assay recommended in the future.

Keywords:

Anopheles maculipennis , ITS2 rDNA Phylogenetic study , central Iran