Genetic diversity and gene structure of mitochondrial region of Anopheles minimus (Diptera: Culicidae) - major malaria vector of North east India

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To depict mitochondrial genetic variation for the first time among Anopheles minimus (An.minimus) (Diptera Culicidae) species from two malaria endemic states of NE India.@*METHODS@#Phylogeographic analysis was carried at 9 out of 12 sites of An.minimus confirmed malaria endemic places.@*RESULTS@#All sequences were Adenine-Thymine rich regions. Transitions were observed in 6 sequences where 5 mutations were synonymous substitutions and in 1 case non synonymous mutation was observed. Three distinct clusters of haplotypes were generated. Haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity were studied. Overall negative values obtained from Tajima's D test and Fu'sFS test indicate a recent genetic population expansion. Network analysis has explained sequence diversity that was also shown by mutations in 6 sequences.@*CONCLUSIONS@#High genetic diversity observed within the populations of An.minimus species has several possible implications for vector control in the region.