Chromosomal mapping of two loci affecting filarial worm susceptibility in Aedes aegypti.

Two quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting susceptibility of the mosquito Aedes aegypti to the filarial worm parasite Brugia malayi were identified using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. The first locus, fsb[1,LF178], resides within a 10 cM interval on chromosome 1 and exhibits a recessive effect with respect to susceptibility. The second locus, fsb[2,LF98], resides within a 9 cM interval on chromosome 2 and exhibits an additive effect on susceptibility. Significant epistasis was detected between these loci, although the effect of fsb[2,LF98] was dependent on the genetic background of the mosquito strains. Suggestions for a standard QTL nomenclature are included.