Sequencing confirms Anopheles stephensi distribution across southern Yemen

Abstract

The invasion of Anopheles stephensi in Africa warrants investigation of neighboring countries. In this study, genetic analysis was applied to determine the status of An. stephensi in southern Yemen. Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were sequenced in An. stephensi collected in Aden City, Lahj, Rodoom, Al Mukalla, and Sayhut, and phylogenetic analysis confirmed An. stephensi identity. Our analyses revealed that the ITS2 sequence were identical in all An. stephensi, while COI analysis revealed two haplotypes, one previously reported in northern Horn of Africa and one identified in this study for the first time. Overall, these findings revealed low levels of mitochondrial DNA diversity, which is consistent with a recent population introduction in parts of southern Yemen. Further whole genomic analysis is needed to elucidate the original connection with invasive populations of An. stephensi in the Horn of Africa.