Abstract
BackgroundThe genetic population structure of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.), the main vector of dengue virus, is being investigated in areas where a novel dengue suppression program is to be implemented. The aim of the program is to release and establish mosquito populations with impaired virus transmission capabilities. To model effects of the release and devise protocols for its implementation, information about the genetic structure of populations at a range of spatial scales is required.Methodology/Principal FindingsThis study investigates a potential release site in the Hua Sam Rong Subdistrict of Plaeng Yao District, Chachoengsao Province, in eastern Thailand which comprises a complex of five villages within a 10 km radius. Aedes aegypti resting indoors was sampled at four different times of year from houses within the five villages. Genetic markers were used to screen the mosquitoes: two Exon Primed Intron Crossing (EPIC) markers and five microsatellite markers. The raw allele size was determined using several statistical software packages to analyze the population structure of the mosquito. Estimates of effective population size for each village were low, but there was no evidence of genetic isolation by geographic distance.ConclusionsThe presence of temporary genetic structure is possibly caused by genetic drift due to large contributions of adults from a few breeding containers. This suggests that the introduction of mosquitoes into an area needs to proceed through multiple releases and targeting of sites where mosquitoes are emerging in large numbers.
Highlights
Though Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) may have been present in Thailand in the 19th century, its spread from major urban centers and commercial transport routes to rural villages is thought to have occurred in the last 50 years [1]
The presence of temporary genetic structure is possibly caused by genetic drift due to large contributions of adults from a few breeding containers
Patterns of day to day movement and distances travelled by Ae. aegypti at different spatial scales and at different densities of human settlement determine the nature of spread of dengue virus and are important in modeling the effects of potential control strategies
Summary
Though Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) may have been present in Thailand in the 19th century, its spread from major urban centers and commercial transport routes to rural villages is thought to have occurred in the last 50 years [1]. Patterns of day to day movement and distances travelled by Ae. aegypti at different spatial scales and at different densities of human settlement determine the nature of spread of dengue virus and are important in modeling the effects of potential control strategies. In countries such as Thailand where dengue is endemic, will look at the effect of Wolbachia on dengue suppression and, if successful, will be adopted as an area-wide dengue control strategy. Another study using 13 microsatellite loci to look at population genetics of Ae. aegypti in mainland Southeast Asian countries revealed genetic structure at all spatial scales including those at a distance of less than 500 m. The genetic population structure of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.), the main vector of dengue virus, is being investigated in areas where a novel dengue suppression program is to be implemented. To model effects of the release and devise protocols for its implementation, information about the genetic structure of populations at a range of spatial scales is required
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