Population Genetic Structure of Culex quinquefasciatus in Osogbo Metropolis, Nigeria inferred from Mitochondrial COI sequences

Abstract

AbstractCulexmosquito is a major vector of some deadly and debilitating diseases that include lymphatic filariasis and West Nile fever. Understanding the population genetics structure plays a crucial role in unravelling the epidemiological pattern of mosquito-borne disease and facilitating effective vector control measures. Hence, this study investigated the population genetic structure ofCulexmosquitoes within selected urban areas in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) DNA region. Mosquito samples were collected from twelve (12) sampling sites in different locations in Osogbo, Osun State and identified on the basis of morphological characteristics followed by mtCOIgene amplification and sequencing.Cx. quinquefasciatuswere observed to be significantly distributed in sampling locations. The results of sequence alignment showed stable genetic structure and a shared inter-spatial haplotype owing to the significantly low haplotype diversity (Hd= 0.154; π = 0.112). The TCS network revealed that the dominant haplotype H1 shares a connection with haplotype H19. Tajima’s D values were negative for the sequence datasets with p > 0.05; implying genetic equilibrium of theCOIsequences in all populations. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed sharedCOIsequences and are present in the same subclusters. Intra and interspecies were observed to have varying nucleotide and haplotype diversities. High percentage similarities of theCOIregion may be linked to human activities that have enhanced gene flow and conferred beneficial mutation attributes. Thus, continuation of this trend could be disadvantageous to the vector control mechanisms forCx. quinquefasciatusin the selected population.