Abstract
Identifying mosquito species is a fundamental step in risk assessment and implementation of preventative strategies. Moreover, Culex pipiens is the most widespread mosquito vector in several regions of Iran and is the main vector for transmission of West Nile virus (WNV). Mosquitoes were collected at 14 sites in northern regions of Iran in 2015 and 2016. A subset of mosquito specimens was selected for identification confirmation using a DNA-barcoding technique. Construction of a phylogenetic tree showed clustering of mosquito sequences into three main genera: Aedes, Anopheles and Culex with individuals of a single species clustered closely together, regardless of where and when they were collected. Cx. pipiens complex and Cx. torrentium were identified and differentiated using multiplex real-time PCR targeting the gene locus for acetylcholinesterase 2 (ace2) to discriminate between Cx. pipiens pipiens and Cx. torrentium. The CQ11 microsatellite locus was used for discrimination between Cpp. biotypes. The predominant mosquito species in investigated regions were Cx. pipiens pipiens biotype pipiens, but we also detected Culex pipiens pipiens biotype molestus and hybrids of the two pipiens biotypes, as well as Cx. torrentium. The results of this study represent the first certain evidence of the presence of Cx. pipiens pipiens biotype molestus and hybrids between pipiens and molestus forms, and Cx. torrentium in Iran through a molecular identification approach. This report of a potentially important bridge vector for WNV might have key influence in the risk projections for WNV in Iran.
Highlights
Many mosquito species are potential vectors for various pathogens and correct identification in all life stages is essential for effective mosquito monitoring and control [1]
Five species were characterized by a distinctive set of c oxidase I (COI) sequences that formed well-supported clusters in the neighbor joining (NJ)-tree (Ae. unilineatus used as outgroup)
In the NJ tree, Cx. pipiens complex clustered with Cx. tritaeniorhyncus in Culex genus in two separate groups
Summary
Many mosquito species are potential vectors for various pathogens and correct identification in all life stages is essential for effective mosquito monitoring and control [1]. The utilization of morphological characteristics is the most common method of mosquito species identification, but these characteristics can be difficult to interpret without specialized taxonomic expertise and discrimination among species is further complicated if identical characteristics are ruined [7]. Molecular assays to discriminate between Cx. pipiens pipiens (Cpp.) and Cx. torrentium or to distinguish between the Cpp. biotypes reported so far are based on gel electrophoretic analyses of particular DNA fragments amplified by PCR. These assays are time-consuming and prone to laboratory contamination, which are major disadvantages for the analysis of large sample sizes. The assay targets the gene locus for ace to discriminate between Cx. torrentium and Cpp. and the CQ11 microsatellite locus for discrimination between Cpp. biotypes [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
