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The fine-scale genetic structure of the malaria vectors Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) in the north-eastern part of Tanzania

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Abstract

Understanding the impact of altitude and ecological heterogeneity at a fine scale on the populations of malaria vectors is essential to better understand and anticipate eventual epidemiological changes. It could help to evaluate the spread of alleles conferring resistance to insecticides and also determine any increased entomological risk of transmission in highlands due to global warming. We used microsatellite markers to measure the effect of altitude and distance on the population genetic structure of Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae s.s. in the Muheza area in the north-eastern part of Tanzania (seven loci for each species). Our analysis reveals strong gene fow between the different populations of An. funestus from lowland and highland areas, as well as between populations of An. gambiae sampled in the lowland area. These results highlight for An. funestus the absence of a significant spatial subpopulation structuring at small-scale, despite a steep ecological and altitudinal cline. Our findings are important in the understanding of the possible spread of alleles conferring insecticide resistance through mosquito populations. Such information is essential for vector control programmes to avoid the rapid spread and fxation of resistance in mosquito populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UMR ENTROPIE Université de La Réunion/IRD/CNRS, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Université de La Réunion, 15 Bd René Cassin, CS 92003, 97744 St Denis Cedex 09, La Réunion, France

    P. Gélin & H. Magalon

  2. Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK

    C. Drakeley & C. Maxwell

  3. Joint Malaria Programme, PO Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania

    C. Drakeley & C. Boëte

  4. Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania

    C. Maxwell & S. Magesa

  5. Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO Box 16, 6700, AA Wageningen, the Netherlands

    W. Takken & C. Boëte

  6. UMR “Emergence des Pathologies Virales”, EPV Aix-Marseille Université, IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - EHESP, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France

    C. Boëte

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  1. P. Gélin
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  2. H. Magalon
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  3. C. Drakeley
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  4. C. Maxwell
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  5. S. Magesa
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  7. C. Boëte
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Correspondence to C. Boëte.

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Gélin, P., Magalon, H., Drakeley, C. et al. The fine-scale genetic structure of the malaria vectors Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) in the north-eastern part of Tanzania. Int J Trop Insect Sci 36, 161–170 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758416000175

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