Abstract
BackgroundThe Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus subgroup includes 11 cryptic species of which Ae. albopictus is the most widely distributed. Its global expansion associated with a documented vector competence for several emerging arboviruses raise obvious concerns in the recently colonized regions. While several studies have provided important insights regarding medical importance of Ae. albopicus, the investigations of the other sibling species are scarce. In Asia, indigenous populations within the Ae. albopictus subgroup can be found in sympatry. In the present study, we aimed to describe and compare molecular, morphological and bacterial symbionts composition among sympatric individuals from the Ae. albopictus subgroup inhabiting a Vietnamese protected area.ResultsBased on morphological structure of the cibarial armarture, we identified a cryptic species in the forest park at Bù Gia Mập in the south-eastern region of Vietnam. Analysis of nuclear (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and mitochondrial (cox1, nad5) markers confirmed the divergence between the cryptic species and Ae. albopictus. Analysis of midgut bacterial microbiota revealed a strong similarity among the two species with a notable difference; contrary to Ae. albopictus, the cryptic species did not harbour any Wolbachia infection.ConclusionsThese results could reflect either a recent invasion of Wolbachia in Ae. albopictus or alternatively a loss of this symbiont in the cryptic species. We argue that neglected species of the Ae. albopictus subgroup are of main importance in order to estimate variation of host-symbionts interactions across evolution.
Highlights
The Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus subgroup includes 11 cryptic species of which Ae. albopictus is the most widely distributed
Morphological and molecular features reveal differences among Ae. albopictus living in sympatry Adult female mosquitoes collected in the field were all identified as members of the Ae. albopictus subgroup using various morphological characters, especially the line of pale scale in the posterior scutum, a broad patch of white scales across lateral face of scutellum (Fig. 1)
For technical reason 48 individuals have been haplotyped with the cox1 marker, 44 of those were haplotyped with the ND5 marker, and 25 of them were genotyped with ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 marker
Summary
The Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus subgroup includes 11 cryptic species of which Ae. albopictus is the most widely distributed. Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are of main public health concern They are considered as main vectors for dengue and chikungunya (DENV, CHIKV) as well as Zika fever viruses, all infectious to humans. Identification of species within the subgenus Stegomyia is often based on morphological features and in particular, for adults, on patterns on the thorax (especially the scutum) and tarsi [2,3,4,5]. These morphological characters are not sufficient to distinguish some species, which may lead to misidentification of individuals collected in the field.
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