Analysis of population structure of vectors Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Brazil

Abstract

Dengue is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, being Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus the major vectors. Currently, the control of these insects is based on the use of insecticides, which not only harm the environment but gives rise to the emergence of resistance in populations. The use of research tools such as molecular markers, can lead to development of more effective alternative methods to control these insects, since a consistent population genetic knowledge on the ecology, genetic variability, vector competence, among other characteristics of these insects can be better assessed. Microsatellites markers prove to be extremely useful in gene mapping for various organisms, allowing an understanding of mosquitoes populations genetics. SNP-based markers are also very robust tools for identifying variations, increasing sensitivity in the identification of polymorphisms in different populations. Thus the present study aims to evaluate the use of molecular markers; SNPs and microsatellites on genetic population analysis of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus from different regions of Brazil, in order to obtain more consistent data on the populations dynamics these vectors of Dengue.