Linkage map for Aedes aegypti using restriction fragment length polymorphisms

We report construction of a genetic linkage map for the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, based on restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). The map consists of 50 DNA markers that identify 53 loci covering 134 map units across three linkage groups. Determination of linkage associations between RFLP markers and several mutant marker loci allowed for partial integration of the RFLP markers with an existing classical genetic linkage map for A. aegypti. The RFLP markers include 42 random cDNA clones, three random genomic DNA clones, and five cDNA clones of known genes. We discuss the influence of autosomal sex determination, characteristic of culicine mosquitoes, in relation to its observed influence on segregation ratios. This has important ramifications for future efforts to identify quantitative trait loci associated with the ability of these mosquitoes to transmit various pathogens and parasites to man and other animals.