Exploring malaria vector diversity on the Amazon Frontier

Abstract

BackgroundDeforestation in the Amazon and the social vulnerability of its settler communities has been associated with increased malaria incidence. The feeding biology of the most important malaria vectors in the region, notably Nyssorhynchus darlingi, compounds efforts to control vectors and reduce transmission of what has become known as “Frontier Malaria”. Exploring Anophelinae mosquito diversity is fundamental to understanding the species responsible for transmission and developing appropriate management and intervention strategies for malaria control in the Amazon River basin.MethodsThis study describes Anophelinae mosquito diversity from settler communities affected by Frontier Malaria in the states of Acre, Amazonas and Rondônia by analysing COI gene data using cluster and tree-based species delimitation approaches.ResultsIn total, 270 specimens from collection sites were sequenced and these were combined with 151 reference (GenBank) sequences in the analysis to assist in species identification. Conservative estimates found that the number of species collected at these sites was between 23 (mPTP partition) and 27 (strict ABGD partition) species, up to 13 of which appeared to be new. Nyssorhynchus triannulatus and Nyssorhynchus braziliensis displayed exceptional levels of intraspecific genetic diversity but there was little to no support for putative species complex status.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that Anophelinae mosquito diversity continues to be underestimated in poorly sampled areas where frontier malaria is a major public health concern. The findings will help shape future studies of vector incrimination and transmission dynamics in these areas and support efforts to develop more effective vector control and transmission reduction strategies in settler communities in the Amazon River basin.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2483-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparison of malaria incidence rates and socioeconomic-environmental factors between the states of Acre and Rondônia: a spatio-temporal modelling study

“…darlingi in the anthropogenic matrix [51]. On the other hand, anopheline diversity continues to be underestimated in frontier malaria, with several species thought to be unknown [52]. Additionally, in specific scenarios, other species (e.g., Nyssorhynchus albitarsis sensu lato) can emerge as the primary vectors [53, 54].…”

Description of an automatic copulation induction system used to establish a free-mating laboratory colony of Nyssorhynchus deaneorum from Brazil

“…The COI mtDNA sequences from wild type, F 1 , F 2 , F 3 and F 4 generations exhibited the highest identity (99-100%) with GenBank sequences from Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia and Acre, Brazil (KJ492739, KJ492762, JQ615333, MH844252). (5,24) During copulation induction by light stimulation, the number of copulations per day increased from day one to day four; copulations were highest on day four and then decreased (as shown in Table I). The highest number of copulations occurred during the first and second light cycles (Table I).…”

Vector-focused Approaches to Curb Malaria Transmission in the Brazilian Amazon: An Overview of Current and Future Challenges and Strategies

“…oswaldoi, suggesting these species differ in vector competence [78]. Therefore, the refinement of taxonomic tools, including molecular taxonomic tools [79,80] is paramount for the knowledge and understanding of the biology of these neotropical species complexes and for the investigation of malaria epidemiology. Furthermore, proper identification of species and knowledge of their ranges, often affected by changes in land use and lately in the climate, is vital for appropriate allocation of vector control resources.…”