Development of a DNA-Based Method for Distinguishing the Malaria Vectors, Anopheles Gambiae from Anopheles Arabiensis

摘要

The primary African malaria vectors, A. gambiae and A. arabiensis, belong to a species complex, the members of which are morphologically indistinguishable. Epidemiological studies to determine the involvement of each in malaria transmission were difficult because two or more of the species are commonly sympatric. We have developed a DNA probe (an rDNA fragment from A. gambiae) which reveals RFLPs that distinguish each member of the complex by Southern analysis. The DNA probe method has been extensively tested with both the existing means of distinguishing theses species (the isozyme method and the cytogenetic method) and the results in every case were concordant. The probe can sensitively diagnose single adult mosquitoes of either sex, mosquito parts, larval or pupal. Moreover, specimens dessicated in the field and stored up to one year can be scored. The test is compatible with ELISA analyses of dessicated thoraces since the DNA probe can readily diagnose single dessicated abdomens. Keywords: Bioassay; Disease vectors. (kt)