Cytological approaches to simuliid biosystematics in relation to the epidemiology and control of human onchocerciasis

This paper presents an overview of advances in cytological research on the biosystematics of vector simuliid complexes in the areas of identification, age grading, and the evolution of resistance in relation to the epidemiology and control of human onchocerciasis. Systematic theory is discussed and relevant examples are given to show its application in predicting and resolving current problems in species identification for New World and Old World vector complexes. These complexes include Simulium damnosum s.l. and S. neavei s.l. from Africa and S. exiguum s.l., S. metallicum s.l., S. ochraceum s.l., and S. oyapockense s.l. from Latin America. The evolution of resistance in S. damnosum s.l. and the need for future molecular research as part of resistance management strategies are discussed.