Multilocus population genetic analysis of the Southwest Pacific malaria vector Anopheles punctulatus

Abstract

The population structure and history of the cryptic malaria vector species, Anopheles punctulatus (Doenitz), was investigated throughout Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands with the aim of detailing genetic subdivisions and the potential for movement through this biogeographically complex region. We obtained larval collections from over 80 sites and utilised a diverse array of molecular markers that evolve through different processes. Individuals were initially identified to species and genotyped using the ribosomal DNA second internal transcribed spacer. DNA sequencing of a single copy nuclear ribosomal protein S9 and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I loci were then investigated and 12 nuclear microsatellite markers were developed and analysed. Our data revealed three genetically distinct populations--one in Papua New Guinea, the second on Buka Island (Bougainville Province, Papua New Guinea), and the third on Guadalcanal Island (Solomon Islands). Genetic differentiation within Papua New Guinea was much lower than that found in studies of other closely related species in the region. The data does suggest that A. punctulatus has undergone a population bottleneck followed by a recent population and range expansion in Papua New Guinea. Humans and regional economic growth may be facilitating this population expansion, as A. punctulatus is able to rapidly occupy human modified landscapes and traverse unsealed roads. We therefore anticipate extensive movement of this species through New Guinea--particularly into the highlands, with a potential increase in malaria frequency in a warming climate--as well as relatively unrestricted gene flow of advantageous alleles that may confound vector control efforts.

Genetic differentiation and bottleneck effects in the malaria vectors Anopheles farauti and Anopheles punctulatus after an LLIN‐based vector control program in Papua New Guinea

“…Within the northern plain of PNG, there may be areas with environments (e.g., mountain ranges) unfavorable for high vec- However, the result of microsatellite analysis of pre-LLIN samples of An. punctulatus in both provinces by Seah et al (2013) contradicts that of the current study and shows that An. punctulatus in these provinces were genetically homogeneous, constituting a single panmictic population (Seah et al, 2013).…”

“…punctulatus in both provinces by Seah et al (2013) contradicts that of the current study and shows that An. punctulatus in these provinces were genetically homogeneous, constituting a single panmictic population (Seah et al, 2013). Therefore, the results of the current (post-LLIN) and published (pre-LLIN) studies suggest that consistent with the predicted outcome the reduc- Reduction in vector abundance can also affect the effective population size of the vectors, and both vector species experienced a reduction in their abundance after the LLINs were distributed (Hetzel et al, 2016;Reimer et al, 2013Reimer et al, , 2016 (Katusele et al, 2014;Keven et al, 2010;Koimbu et al, 2018), and published data on bed net usage by province during the time the mosquito samples in this study were collected (2010)(2011)(2012) are not available to support this speculation.…”

Genetic Structure Analysis of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei Isolates from Central and Southern China

“…erinaceieuropaei populations were higher than 0.25, indicating great genetic differentiation[ 48 ]. This evidenced that a long-term interruption of gene flow between two clades [ 49 ].…”

Whole‐genome sequencing reveals absence of recent gene flow and separate demographic histories for Anopheles punctulatus mosquitoes in Papua New Guinea

“…In this regard, the few genetic studies conducted in An. punctulatus mosquitoes have shown limited fine-scale population stratification in mainland PNG (Henry-Halldin et al 2012;Logue et al 2013;Seah et al 2013). In addition, we would expect positive selection (e.g.…”