STUDY OF SPECIES DIVERSITY OF ANOPHELES MACULIPENNIS S.L USING MOLECULAR MARKER (CYTOCHROME OXIDASE I: COI) IN WEST AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background & Aims: Different species of Anopheles mosquitoes, in addition to causing discomfort from biting and blood-feeding, are of significant importance due to their essential role in the transmission of some diseases. The present study was performed to identify the species belonging to the Anopheles maculipennis s.l complex in West Azerbaijan province using the molecular marker cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Materials & Methods: In the present study, collected species were identified after collecting samples from 12 regions in five counties in West Azerbaijan province. After DNA extraction, mitochondrial COI sequences of the samples were amplified using specific primers and the affinities and differences of nucleotide sequences were investigated. Results: The presence of three species including An. maculipennis s.s, An. messeae, and An. sacharovi of the studied species complex and notable genetic variation was observed among different populations of these species in West Azerbaijan province. An. maculipennis s.s was found as a predominant species in the study areas. Conclusion: Due to the presence of three different species belonging to the An. maculipennis s.l in West Azerbaijan and fundamental differences in biological characteristics, vectorial capacity and resistance to insecticides in each of these species, determination of these parameters in the design of control programs against each of these species in the conditions of transmission, and establishment of diseases transmitted by these species are of fundamental importance.