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. 2011 Sep;48(5):999-1007.
doi: 10.1603/me10264.

Changes in the genetic structure of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) populations in Queensland, Australia, across two seasons: implications for potential mosquito releases

N M Endersby  1 , A A Hoffmann, V L White, S A Ritchie, P H Johnson, A R Weeks
Affiliations

Changes in the genetic structure of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) populations in Queensland, Australia, across two seasons: implications for potential mosquito releases

N M Endersby et al. J Med Entomol. 2011 Sep.

Abstract

Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes could be controlled if vector populations were replaced with strains that have reduced vector competency. Such a strategy is being developed for control of dengue virus which is transmitted by Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). Mosquitoes artificially infected with the bacterium, Wolbachia pipientis Hertig, are being assessed as candidates for release at the adult stage with the aim of replacement of the wild population. Wolbachia can reduce the capacity of Ae. aegypti to transmit dengue virus and has potential to be driven through the natural population via a system of cytoplasmic incompatibility. Deployment of benign mosquito strains will be influenced by population size and structure of wild-type Ae. aegypti in proposed release areas, as well as rates of gene flow among populations in the wet and dry tropical seasons. Mosquitoes from northern Queensland were screened with genetic markers to find an optimal locality for release of a benign strain of Ae. aegypti. The inland towns of Chillagoe and Charters Towers and the coastal town of Ingham had mosquito populations that were partly genetically isolated from mosquitoes in other areas across both seasons. These locations may be suitable release sites if it is important for the released strain to be restricted during initial phases of implementation. Smaller genetic differences were also evident among other regions and were consistent over two seasons (wet and dry).

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Population assignment of Ae. aegypti to “self” or “other” population in the wet and dry seasons in north Queensland, Australia.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Map of posterior mode of population membership of Ae. aegypti in north Queensland, Australia, assigned by Geneland, which takes both genetic and geographic information into account. (A) Wet season (two groups). (B) Dry season (four groups).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Plots of genetic isolation by geographic distance in Ae. aegypti in the wet and dry seasons in north Queensland, Australia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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