Genetic structure and divergence in populations of Lutzomyia cruciata, a phlebotomine sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) vector of Leishmania mexicana in southeastern Mexico

Angélica Pech-May, Carlos F. Marina, Ella Vázquez-Domínguez, Miriam Berzunza-Cruz, Eduardo A. Rebollar-Téllez, José A. Narváez-Zapata, David Moo-Llanes, Sergio Ibáñez-Bernal, Janine M. Ramsey, Ingeborg Becker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

The low dispersal capacity of sand flies could lead to population isolation due to geographic barriers, climate variation, or to population fragmentation associated with specific local habitats due to landscape modification. The phlebotomine sand fly Lutzomyia cruciata has a wide distribution throughout Mexico and is a vector of Leishmania mexicana in the southeast. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity, structure, and divergence within and among populations of Lu. cruciata in the state of Chiapas, and to infer the intra-specific phylogeny using the 3' end of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. We analyzed 62 sequences from four Lu. cruciata populations and found 26 haplotypes, high genetic differentiation and restricted gene flow among populations (Fst= 0.416, Nm= 0.701, p< 0.001). The highest diversity values were recorded in populations from Loma Bonita and Guadalupe Miramar. Three lineages (100% bootstrap and 7% overall divergence) were identified using a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis which showed high genetic divergence (17.2-22.7%). A minimum spanning haplotype network also supported separation into three lineages. Genetic structure and divergence within and among Lu. cruciata populations are hence affected by geographic heterogeneity and evolutionary background. Data obtained in the present study suggest that Lu. cruciata in the state of Chiapas consists of at least three lineages. Such findings may have implications for vector capacity and hence for vector control strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)254-262
Number of pages9
JournalInfection, Genetics and Evolution
Volume16
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2013

Keywords

  • 3' cytochrome b
  • Leishmaniasis
  • Phlebotomine sand fly
  • Population genetics
  • Species complex

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