Population genetic structure analysis of Anopheles kleini in the Republic of Korea based on the mitochondrial COI gene.

BACKGROUND

Anopheles kleini is a competent vector mainly observed in the northern, malaria-risk areas of the Republic of Korea (ROK). In this study, the population genetic structure of An. kleini was analysed for the first time in the ROK using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) marker.

METHODS

The genetic structure of 249 An. kleini was analysed from three statistically analysable regions, each including more than five mosquitoes.

RESULTS

Network analysis identified 140 haplotypes organized into three clusters. Cluster II was related to An. kleini from eastern Russia and northwestern China. The pairwise genetic distance (FST) values among the populations showed regional genetic differences between Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that individual mosquitoes within the population had a significant influence on the total variation. The neutrality test, using three methods (Fu's Fs, Fu, and Li's D, and Fu and Li's F), indicated that all values were negative, suggesting that An. kleini is an expanding population. Anopheles kleini in Yanggu has a significant difference in genetic distance from other regions.

CONCLUSION

This study provides molecular epidemiologically information for understanding the spatial population structure of An. kleini and is helpful for malaria control in the ROK.