A genotypically distinct, melanic variant of Anopheles arabiensis in Sudan is associated with arid environments.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anopheles arabiensis, an important malaria vector in Sudan and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, exhibits considerable ecological and behavioural plasticity allowing it to survive in the harsh conditions of arid regions. It has been shown that adult populations of An. arabiensis in the semi-desert habitat of western Khartoum State survive through the long dry season in a state of partial aestivation, characterized by limited feeding activity and a degree of arrested ovarian development. Anopheles arabiensis in these sites occurs in two phenotypic forms. One is large and heavily melanized, the other has the typical characteristics of An. arabiensis as found elsewhere in Africa. The extent of genetic variation in these forms was examined in widely separated locations

SUBMITTER: Aboud M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4301653 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature