rDNA-ITS2 Identification of Anopheles pulcherrimus (Diptera: Culicidae): Genetic Differences and Phylogenetic Relation with Other Iranian Vectors and Its Implications for Malaria Control

Anopheles pulcherrimus Theobald has a wide distribution in western Asia and is a potential vector of malaria in Iran. We have examined the rDNA-ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer 2) region of An. pulcherrimus specimens collected during the two peaks of activity (May-June and October-November) from Sistan and Baluchistan province, southeastern Iran. There were no consistent differences between specimens originated from different ecological areas. Total amplified fragment is 490 bp, which is within the range of the records repeated from other anophelines. ITS2 was 350 bp long in all individuals examined with identical sequence in different populations. Sequence analysis revealed its differences with two other important malaria vectors in the region, An. culicifacies and An. fluviatilis. However, based on ITS2-derived phylogenetic tree, the nearest taxa to An. pulcherrimus is a new species related to An. Culicifacies and called species X in An. culicifacies species complex. These data may provide a better understanding on dynamics of malaria transmission in southeastern corner of Iran and neighboring countries. Moreover, the extent of the genetic variation in these mainly sympatric species could result in designing and application of species-specific diagnostic tools, which can facilitate the management of malaria control program in the region