Molecular identification of the Anopheles Fluviatilis complex in Sistan Va Baluchestan province

Introduction: Malaria is one of the most important health problems in developing countries. Malaria is endemic in southeast of Iran including Chabahar Township. One of the malaria vectors in Iran is Anopheles Fluviatilis James as other part of world, which is a complex of at least three cryptic species provisionally, designated as species S, T, and U. These species are morphologically indistinguishable, but can be identified by examination of species-specific fixed inversions in the polytene chromosomes. The aim of this study was to identify species composition of An. Fluviatilis complex using sequence analysis of D3 and ITS2 loci. Methods: Specimens were captured using the methods of total catch, pit shelter, and human/animal night bite. The extraction of DNA was done. We then analyzed the sequence variation of the two loci of 28S D3- and ITS2-rDNA. Identification by phylogenetic trees and comparison of sequences with entries available in Gene Bank were carried out. Results: We determined, in this study, both ITS2 and D3 loci and produced 514 bp and 376 bp bands. Sequence analysis of ITS2 region revealed that the specimens of Chabahar district were match to the Y and T2 haplotypes of the complex, both identical with An. Fluviatilis T. Furthermore, D3 sequencing determined that U species is also present in Chabahar district. Conclusion: The present study revealed the presence of An. Fluviatilis U which is a new species in Iran. So precaution needs to be taken before generalization of results of an area to other areas. The results could help malaria vector control program.