Investigating genetic differentiation between brackish and fresh water collections of the arboviral vector Aedes aegypti.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Aedes aegypti is typically regarded as a freshwater mosquito; however, recent studies have documented its development in brackish water habitats in coastal regions, including Sri Lanka's Jaffna Peninsula. Compared with freshwater populations, brackish water samples in Jaffna display enhanced salt tolerance throughout larval-to-adult development, along with differences in gene expression, cuticle morphology and composition, and insecticide susceptibility.

Methods

To explore the genetic basis of these differences, we performed a comparative genomic analysis using 5135 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from Ae. aegypti inhabiting freshwater and brackish water sites in the Jaffna Peninsula. Genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic para

SUBMITTER: Balcazar D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12915009 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature