Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR) and ITS2 PCR assays for differentiation of populations and putative sibling species of Anopheles fluviatilis (Diptera: Culicidae) in Iran

Anopheles fluviatilis complex is known to be a vector of malaria in Iran. Since mosquitoes of this species cover a wide geographical range in Iran, they might have evolved into different separated populations. Random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) assay was used to differentiate geographic populations of this species. DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes from 8 localities in 4 south and southeast provinces and amplified in PCR reactions using 18 single primers of arbitrary nucleotide sequence. Results of RAPD-PCR showed that Kazeroun populations could simply be differentiated from other populations using a diagnostic fragment amplified with primer UBC-306. But other populations could not be differentiated either visually or by means of statistical analysis. Moreover ITS2 fragments of some selected specimens were amplified using a pair of universal primer and sequenced as a key standard for detection of putative sibling species. Sequence analysis of the ITS2 fragments revealed a very high (100%) homology among the populations. These findings are crucial in epidemiological studies concerning relatedness of geographic populations and vector movement in the region. Results of RAPD-PCR and ITS2 analysis suggest that this taxon in Iran comprises of only one species with a low genetic variation among geographic populations.