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Updated: Dec 20, 2025

A Multi-detection Assay for Malaria Transmitting Mosquitoes
Published on: February 28, 2015
Phylogeny of Anopheles (Kerteszia) (Diptera: Culicidae) Using Mitochondrial Genes
Karin Kirchgatter1, Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães1, Henrry Hugo Yañez Trujillano2
1Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, SP 01027-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
Identification of mosquito species is necessary for determining the entomological components of malaria transmission, but it can be difficult in morphologically similar species. DNA sequences are largely used as an additional tool for species recognition, including those that belong to species complexes. Kerteszia mosquitoes are vectors of human and simian malaria in the Neotropical Region, but there are few DNA sequences of Kerteszia species in public databases. In order to provide relevant information about diversity and improve knowledge in taxonomy of Kerteszia species in Peru, we sequenced part of the mitochondrial genome, including the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcode region. Phylogenetic analyses structured all species of mosquitoes collected in Peru into a single clade, separate from the Brazilian species. The Peruvian clade was composed of two lineages, encompassing sequences from Anopheles Kerteszia boliviensis and Anopheles Kerteszia pholidotus. An. pholidotus sequences were recorded for the first time in Peru, whereas An. boliviensis sequences were for the first time published in the GenBank database. Sequences generated from specimens morphologically identified as Anopheles Kerteszia cruzii clustered into three separate clades according to the collection localities of Serra do Mar, Serra da Mantiqueira, and Serra da Cantareira, confirming An. cruzii as a species complex, composed of at least three putative species.
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