Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Anopheles funestus in Western Kenya Based on Mitochondrial DNA Marker COII
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Insects
Abstract
The mitochondrial marker, COII, was employed to assess the genetic structure and diversity
of Anopheles funestus, a very important malaria vector in Africa that adapt and colonize different
ecological niches in western Kenya. Mosquitoes were collected using mechanical aspirators in four
areas (Bungoma, Port Victoria, Kombewa, and Migori) in western Kenya. Following morphological
identification, PCR was used to confirm the species. The COII gene was amplified, sequenced, and
analyzed to determine genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 126 (Port Victoria-38,
Migori-38, Bungoma-22, and Kombewa-28) sequences of COII were used for population genetic
analysis. Anopheles funestus had a high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.97 to 0.98) but low nucleotide
diversity (Π = 0.004 to 0.005). The neutrality test revealed negative Tajima’s D and Fs values indicating
an excess of low-frequency variation. This could be attributed to either population expansion
or negative selection pressure across all the populations. No genetic or structural differentiation
(Fst = −0.01) and a high level of gene flow (Gamma St, Nm = 17.99 to 35.22) were observed among the
populations. Population expansion suggests the high adaptability of this species to various ecological
requirements, hence sustaining its vectorial capacity and malaria transmission
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Anopheles funestus, western Kenya, COII, genetic diversity
Citation
Citation: Debrah, I.; Ochwedo, K.O.; Otambo, W.O.; Machani, M.G.; Magomere, E.O.; Onyango, S.A.; Zhong, D.; Amoah, L.E.; Githeko, A.K.; Afrane, Y.A.; et al. Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Anopheles funestus in Western Kenya Based on Mitochondrial DNA Marker COII. Insects 2023, 14, 273. https://doi.org/10.3390/ insects14030273