Application of hydrolysis probe analysis to identify clade types of the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles funestus sensu stricto from Muheza, northeastern Tanzania

Abstract A hydrolysis probe analysis (TaqMan assay) was used to study clade types in Anopheles funestus sensu stricto Giles, a major malaria vector in sub‐Saharan Africa, with specimens collected from Muheza in Tanga, northeastern Tanzania. A total of 186 An. funestus specimens were analysed, revealing that 176 (94.6%) were of clade I and 10 (5.4%) of clade II. These findings extend the distribution of clade type II from southern Mozambique and northern Zambia to northeastern Tanzania. The technique used can also be of great value in assessing the role and contribution of these clade types in malaria transmission and insecticide resistance frequencies for An. funestus s.s. Anopheles funestus has emerged as an important malaria vector indoors, following the decline of Anopheles gambiae sibling species complex populations. Anopheles funestus has shown highly reduced susceptibility to different classes of insecticides used for public health. Within An. funestus s.s. at the study site, molecular clade types I and II were found.
Source: Medical and Veterinary Entomology - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research