Genetic heterogeneity among Caribbean populations of Aedes aegypti

Using starch gel electrophoresis, we have analyzed genetic variation at 11 loci in 18 Caribbean collections of Aedes aegypti. Our results show that, while there is some relationship between geographic proximity and genetic distance, the overall picture among islands is one of gene frequency patchiness , with some collections clearly not conforming to any geographic pattern. We attribute this to the combined effects of high rates of gene flow among islands and with the mainland American continent, and the activities of various vector control agencies in the region.