Abstract
Scientific research into the epidemiology of dengue frequently focuses on the microevolution and dispersion of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. One of the world’s largest urban agglomerations infested by Ae. aegypti is the Brazilian megalopolis of Sao Paulo, where >26,900 cases of dengue were reported until June 2015. Unfortunately, the dynamics of the genetic variability of Ae. aegypti in the Sao Paulo area have not been well studied. To reduce this knowledge gap, we assessed the morphogenetic variability of a population of Ae. aegypti from a densely urbanised neighbourhood of Sao Paulo. We tested if allelic patterns could vary over a short term and if wing shape could be a predictor of the genetic variation. Over a period of 14 months, we examined the variation of genetic (microsatellites loci) and morphological (wing geometry) markers in Ae. aegypti. Polymorphisms were detected, as revealed by the variability of 20 microsatellite loci (115 alleles combined; overall Fst = 0.0358) and 18 wing landmarks (quantitative estimator Qst = 0.4732). These levels of polymorphism are higher than typically expected to an exotic species. Allelic frequencies of the loci changed over time and temporal variation in the wing shape was even more pronounced, permitting high reclassification levels of chronological samples. In spite of the fact that both markers underwent temporal variation, no correlation was detected between their dynamics. We concluded that microevolution was detected despite the short observational period, but the intensities of change of the markers were discrepant. Wing shape failed from predicting allelic temporal variation. Possibly, natural selection (Qst>Fst) or variance of expressivity of wing phenotype are involved in this discrepancy. Other possibly influential factors on microevolution of Ae. aegypti are worth searching. Additionally, the implications of the rapid evolution and high polymorphism of this mosquito vector on the efficacy of control methods have yet to be investigated.
Highlights
Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti Linnaeus 1762 is a widely distributed mosquito vector of dengue, the most important arboviral disease in humans
Over a period of 14 months, we examined the variation of genetic and morphological markers in Ae. aegypti
Microevolution of Ae. aegypti proposed for dengue vector control, but many of these methods are limited by the microevolution of mosquitoes
Summary
Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti Linnaeus 1762 is a widely distributed mosquito vector of dengue, the most important arboviral disease in humans. The prevention and control of the dengue virus currently depend on controlling its mosquito vector. Microevolution of Ae. aegypti proposed for dengue vector control, but many of these methods are limited by the microevolution of mosquitoes. In this context, the demography, dispersion, and evolution of these insects within urban areas have been frequently investigated. The demography, dispersion, and evolution of these insects within urban areas have been frequently investigated These biological issues are of importance to professionals engaged in vector control and surveillance initiatives but are far from being satisfactorily understood. Dispersal is preferably estimated by population genetics indicators, such as gene flow, migration and genetic variability, given the difficulty and low reproducibility of mark-release-recapture methods for small mosquitoes [1,2,3]
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