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Updated: Apr 4, 2026
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Propagation of the Microsporidian Parasite Edhazardia aedis in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
Published on: August 13, 2020
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Microevolution of Aedes aegypti.
Caroline Louise1, Paloma Oliveira Vidal2, Lincoln Suesdek1
1Laboratório Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Plos One
|September 12, 2015
Summary
Microevolution in the Aedes aegypti mosquito was detected in Sao Paulo over 14 months. Genetic and wing shape variations occurred, but their dynamics were not correlated, indicating complex mosquito adaptation.
Area of Science:
- * Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- * Medical Entomology
- * Population Genetics
Background:
- * Dengue epidemiology research often examines Aedes aegypti mosquito microevolution and dispersion.
- * Sao Paulo, a major urban center, has a high incidence of dengue cases, yet Aedes aegypti genetic variability dynamics remain understudied.
- * Understanding mosquito population dynamics is crucial for effective dengue control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To assess the morphogenetic variability of Aedes aegypti in urban Sao Paulo.
- * To investigate short-term variations in allelic patterns and wing shape.
- * To determine if wing shape can predict genetic variation in Aedes aegypti populations.
Main Methods:
- * Analysis of genetic variation using 20 microsatellite loci in Aedes aegypti populations over 14 months.
- * Morphological assessment of wing geometry using 18 landmarks.
- * Statistical analysis of allelic frequencies, Fst, and quantitative estimator (Qst) for wing shape variation.
Main Results:
- * Significant genetic polymorphisms detected, with 115 alleles across 20 microsatellite loci (Fst = 0.0358).
- * Pronounced temporal variation in wing shape (Qst = 0.4732), allowing high reclassification of chronological samples.
- * Allelic frequencies changed over time, but no correlation was found between genetic and wing shape temporal dynamics.
Conclusions:
- * Microevolutionary changes in Aedes aegypti were observed within a short 14-month period in Sao Paulo.
- * Discrepant intensities of change between genetic markers and wing shape suggest complex evolutionary processes, potentially influenced by natural selection.
- * Further research is needed to explore factors influencing Aedes aegypti microevolution and its impact on dengue control methods.
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