D. Boccolini - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by D. Boccolini
Invasive species and human health, 2018
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are the most important group of blood-sucking insects that are ve... more Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are the most important group of blood-sucking insects that are vectors of human diseases. This chapter focuses mainly on six species belonging to the Aedes, Culex and Anopheles genera, which, closely adapted to human habitats for thousands of years, have exploited human activities to spread and establish in areas far from their origin, becoming invasive. The mechanisms leading to the introduction and establishment of invasive mosquito species and the risk that they represent for human health in newly colonized areas are extensively described. In particular, this chapter focuses on the three powerful and widespread arbovirus disease vectors, Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus, with shorter references to Ae. koreicus and other alien species recently recorded in Europe. The disease vectors belonging to the genus Culex are represented by the Cx. pipiens complex, whose history of travel between continents dates back centuries. The detailed story...
Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 2015
West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arboviral pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes in a cycle that ... more West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arboviral pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes in a cycle that involves wild birds as reservoir hosts. The virus is responsible for outbreaks of viral encephalitis in humans and horses. In Europe, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) is considered to be the main vector of WNV, but other species such as Stegomyia albopicta (=Aedes albopictus) (Diptera: Culicidae) may also act as competent vectors of this virus. Since 2008 human cases of WNV disease have been reported in northeast Italy. In 2011, new areas of southern Italy became involved and a first outbreak of WNV lineage 1 occurred on the island of Sardinia. On the assumption that a potential involvement of St. albopicta in WNV transmission cannot be excluded, and in order to evaluate the competence of this species for the virus, an experimental infection of an St. albopicta laboratory colony, established from mosquitoes collected in Sardinia, was carried out. The results were compared with those obtained in a colony of the main vector Cx. pipiens. The study showed St. albopicta collected on Sardinia to be susceptible to WNV infection, which suggests this Italian mosquito species is able to act as a possible secondary vector, particularly in urban areas where the species reaches high levels of seasonal abundance.
Parasite (Paris, France), 2008
To assess the malaria reintroduction risk in Morocco, we analyzed the malariogenic potential of a... more To assess the malaria reintroduction risk in Morocco, we analyzed the malariogenic potential of a rice cultivation area in the north of the country. Our results showed that the receptivity of this area is very high during all the period of the rice cultivation, from May to October, the vectorial capacity of An. labranchiae, malaria vector in Morocco, is considerably high during the summer which corresponds to the rice cultivation period. The risk of autochthonous malaria resumption is important because of the possible presence of gametocytes carriers in the last malaria focus which is bordering the study area. The risk of a tropical malaria introduction is unimportant seen the low vulnerability of the area and the uncertain competence of its vectors considered. However, this risk must be considered with a more attention.
Parasite, 2008
To assess the malaria reintroduction risk in Morocco, we analyzed the malariogenic potential of a... more To assess the malaria reintroduction risk in Morocco, we analyzed the malariogenic potential of a rice cultivation area in the north of the country. Our results showed that the receptivity of this area is very high during all the period of the rice cultivation, from May to October. the vectorial capacity of An. labranchiae, malaria vector in Morocco, is considerably high during the summer which corresponds to the rice cultivation period. The risk of autochthonous malaria resumption is important because of the possible presence of gametocytes carriers in the last malaria focus which is bordering the study area. The risk of a tropical malaria introduction is unimportant seen the low vulnerability of the area and the uncertain competence of its vectors considered. However, this risk must be considered with a more attention. Résumé : Dans le but d'estimer le risque de réintroduction du paludisme au Maroc, nous avons analysé le potentiel paludogène d'une zone rizicole au nord du pays. Nos résultats ont montré que la capacité vectorielle d'An. labranchiae, vecteur du paludisme au Maroc, était particulièrement élevée pendant la période estivale qui correspond à la période de culture du riz. Le risque d'une reprise de la transmission du paludisme autochtone est élevé du fait de l'éventuelle présence de porteurs de parasite dans le dernier foyer de paludisme limitrophe de la zone d'étude. Le risque d'une introduction du paludisme tropical est faible, vu la faible vulnérabilité de la région et la compétence de ses vecteurs, considérée comme faible. Toutefois, ce risque doit faire l'objet d'une grande attention.
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2012
The Maremma Plain (central Italy) was hyper-endemic for malaria until the mid-20th century, when ... more The Maremma Plain (central Italy) was hyper-endemic for malaria until the mid-20th century, when a national campaign for malaria elimination drastically reduced the presence of the main vector Anopheles labranchiae Falleroni. However, the introduction of rice cultivation over 30 yr ago has led to an increase in the An. labranchiae population and concern over possible malaria reemergence. We studied the impact of anthropogenic environmental changes on the abundance and distribution of An. labranchiae in Maremma, focusing on rice Þelds, the main breeding sites. Adults and larvae were collected in three main areas with diverse ecological characteristics. Data were collected on human activity, land use, and seasonal climatic and demographic variations. We also interviewed residents and tourists regarding their knowledge of malaria. Our Þndings showed that the most important environmental changes have occurred along the coast; An. labranchiae foci are present throughout the area, with massive reproduction strictly related to rice cultivation in coastal areas. Although the abundance of this species has drastically decreased over the past 30 yr, it remains high and, together with climatic conditions and the potential introduction of gametocyte carriers, it may represent a threat for the occurrence of autochthonous malaria cases. Our Þndings suggest the need for the continuous monitoring of An. labranchiae in the study area. In addition to entomological surveillance, more detailed knowledge of human-induced environmental changes is needed, so as to have a more complete database that can be used for vector-control plans and for properly managing emergencies related to autochthonous introduced cases.
Insect Molecular Biology, 2000
The group of anopheline mosquitoes referred to as ' Anopheles maculipennis complex' includes the ... more The group of anopheline mosquitoes referred to as ' Anopheles maculipennis complex' includes the most important malaria vectors of the Palearctic Western region. The species belonging to this complex, however, are difficult or impossible to distinguish by morphological characters. To differentiate sibling palearctic species belonging to this complex, interspecific differences in the ITS2 sequences were used to set up a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool based on heteroduplex analysis. The relative heteroduplex mobility allowed the following seven species to be readily distinguished: An. atroparvus , An. labranchiae , An. maculipennis s.s., An. martinius , An melanoon , An. messeae and An. sacharovi.
EcoHealth, 2013
In Italy, West Nile virus (WNV) equine outbreaks have occurred annually since 2008. Characterizin... more In Italy, West Nile virus (WNV) equine outbreaks have occurred annually since 2008. Characterizing WNV vector habitat requirements allows for the identification of areas at risk of viral amplification and transmission. Maxent-based ecological niche models were developed using literature records of 13 potential WNV Italian vector mosquito species to predict their habitat suitability range and to investigate possible geographical associations with WNV equine outbreak occurrence in Italy from 2008 to 2010. The contribution of different environmental variables to the niche models was also assessed. Suitable habitats for Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus, and Anopheles maculipennis were widely distributed; Culex modestus, Ochlerotatus geniculatus, Ochlerotatus caspius, Coquillettidia richiardii, Aedes vexans, and Anopheles plumbeus were concentrated in north-central Italy; Aedes cinereus, Culex theileri, Ochlerotatus dorsalis, and Culiseta longiareolata were restricted to coastal/southern areas. Elevation, temperature, and precipitation variables showed the highest predictive power. Host population and landscape variables provided minor contributions. WNV equine outbreaks had a significantly higher probability to occur in habitats suitable for Cx. modestus and Cx. pipiens, providing circumstantial evidence that the potential distribution of these two species coincides geographically with the observed distribution of the disease in equines.
22. Congresso nazionale …, 2009
Boccolini D, Di Luca M, Toma L, Severini F, Massa AA, Mancini Barbieri F, Tamburro A, Pontuale G,... more Boccolini D, Di Luca M, Toma L, Severini F, Massa AA, Mancini Barbieri F, Tamburro A, Pontuale G, Cocchi M. Ulteriori indagini sulla presenza di specie del complesso Anopheles maculipennis nella maremma toscana. In: 22. Congresso nazionale italiano di entomologia. ...
Parassitologia, 2006
Citation: Boccolini D, Di Luca M, Severini F, Toma L, Mancini Barbieri F, Cocchi M, Pontuale G, T... more Citation: Boccolini D, Di Luca M, Severini F, Toma L, Mancini Barbieri F, Cocchi M, Pontuale G, Tamburro A, Romi R. Anophelinae mosquito surveillance in Maremma, the most at risk area of malaria reintroduction in Italy [abstract]. Parassitologia 2006; 48 (1-2): 153.
Eurosurveillance, 2001
In 1999-2000, a total of 2060 malaria cases were reported by the ISS. Most of the patients took i... more In 1999-2000, a total of 2060 malaria cases were reported by the ISS. Most of the patients took inappropriate treatments or did not have any prophylaxis. Ninety-three per cent became infected in African malarious countries, 4% in Asian countries, and 3% in Latin America. P. falciparum accounted for 84% of the cases, followed by P. vivax (8%), P. ovale (5%), and P. malariae (2%). Deaths corresponded to an annual case fatality rate of 0.3% in 1999 and 0.5% in 2000. In general, imported malaria cases reflect the number of Italian travellers who underestimate the infection risk in Asian and Latin American malarious countries and permanent residents of African origin who visit their relatives in their native countries.
Eurosurveillance, 2012
We describe two cases of probable autochthonous introduced Plasmodium vivax malaria that occurred... more We describe two cases of probable autochthonous introduced Plasmodium vivax malaria that occurred in 2009 and 2011 in two sites of South-Central Italy. Although the sources of the infections were not detected, local transmission could not be disproved and therefore the cases were classified as autochthonous. Sporadic P. vivax cases transmitted by indigenous vectors may be considered possible in some areas of the country where vector abundance and environmental conditions are favourable to malaria transmission.
Eurosurveillance, 2012
To the editor: Dr Nicastri argues that cryptic sporadic cases may not be considered as autochthon... more To the editor: Dr Nicastri argues that cryptic sporadic cases may not be considered as autochthonous unless other cases have been identified in a specific geographical area. This is a rigid and not scientifically corroborated assumption that, in our opinion, cannot be generalised. In fact, there is no reason to assume that secondary cases should necessarily occur [1,2], since the generation of a chain of transmission depends strictly on the basic reproductive number R0, which is influenced by a series of factors [3] ranging from prevalence of infection among mosquitoes (likely to be very low when autochthonous introduced cases occur, as demonstrated by the lack of detection of plasmodia among mosquitoes in recent outbreaks in Greece) and probability of exposure of humans to mosquito bites. Dr Nicastri’s latter two points pertain to only one of the two cases and have been critically discussed in our article. However, it should be mentioned that the patient who visited Santo Domingo d...
The new microbiologica, 2019
Both malaria and relapsing fever Borrelia are infectious diseases characterized by fever, headach... more Both malaria and relapsing fever Borrelia are infectious diseases characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, hepatosplenomegaly and tendency to relapse. Exflagellation of microgametocyte in malarial parasites is seen only in the definitive host, i.e., mosquitoes. Here we report an unusual case of a 23-year-old man who presented Plasmodium vivax infection with multiple exflagellated microgametes in the peripheral blood smear.
Bulletin de la Société de pathologie exotique (1990), 2004
Anopheles belonging to Anopheles maculipennis complex, collected from February to June 2002 in ei... more Anopheles belonging to Anopheles maculipennis complex, collected from February to June 2002 in eight provinces of Morocco (Khouribga, Taounate, Alhouceima, Chefchaouen, Fes, Khemisset, Kalaa Sraghna and Benslimane), were identified with characterization of the ribosomal DNA by PCR and ITS2 sequence analysis. The results of this study showed that all the identified specimens belong to the Anopheles labranchiae species.
Parassitologia, 2000
The polymorphism of paracentric inversions of Anopheles funestus polytene chromosomes was studied... more The polymorphism of paracentric inversions of Anopheles funestus polytene chromosomes was studied in three villages (Nkoteng, Obala, and Simbock) located in a forest area of South Cameroon in order to analyse the genetic structure of these populations. A total of 146-210 chromatids could be scored from specimens collected over about two years. A low degree of chromosomal polymorphism was observed with two floating inversions on chromosomal arm 2 (2h and 2d), and three fixed arrangements on arms 3 (3a and 3b), and 5 (5a). Such arrangement of inversions has never been recorded elsewhere so far. The chromosome analysis indicated that the population from Obala was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, whereas the samples from Nkoteng and Simbock showed a significant excess and deficit of heterokaryotypes, respectively. Significant differences in inversion frequencies on chromosomal arm 2 among villages lying in contrasting eco-climatic settings suggested an adaptive role of these inversions.
Invasive species and human health, 2018
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are the most important group of blood-sucking insects that are ve... more Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are the most important group of blood-sucking insects that are vectors of human diseases. This chapter focuses mainly on six species belonging to the Aedes, Culex and Anopheles genera, which, closely adapted to human habitats for thousands of years, have exploited human activities to spread and establish in areas far from their origin, becoming invasive. The mechanisms leading to the introduction and establishment of invasive mosquito species and the risk that they represent for human health in newly colonized areas are extensively described. In particular, this chapter focuses on the three powerful and widespread arbovirus disease vectors, Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus, with shorter references to Ae. koreicus and other alien species recently recorded in Europe. The disease vectors belonging to the genus Culex are represented by the Cx. pipiens complex, whose history of travel between continents dates back centuries. The detailed story...
Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 2015
West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arboviral pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes in a cycle that ... more West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arboviral pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes in a cycle that involves wild birds as reservoir hosts. The virus is responsible for outbreaks of viral encephalitis in humans and horses. In Europe, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) is considered to be the main vector of WNV, but other species such as Stegomyia albopicta (=Aedes albopictus) (Diptera: Culicidae) may also act as competent vectors of this virus. Since 2008 human cases of WNV disease have been reported in northeast Italy. In 2011, new areas of southern Italy became involved and a first outbreak of WNV lineage 1 occurred on the island of Sardinia. On the assumption that a potential involvement of St. albopicta in WNV transmission cannot be excluded, and in order to evaluate the competence of this species for the virus, an experimental infection of an St. albopicta laboratory colony, established from mosquitoes collected in Sardinia, was carried out. The results were compared with those obtained in a colony of the main vector Cx. pipiens. The study showed St. albopicta collected on Sardinia to be susceptible to WNV infection, which suggests this Italian mosquito species is able to act as a possible secondary vector, particularly in urban areas where the species reaches high levels of seasonal abundance.
Parasite (Paris, France), 2008
To assess the malaria reintroduction risk in Morocco, we analyzed the malariogenic potential of a... more To assess the malaria reintroduction risk in Morocco, we analyzed the malariogenic potential of a rice cultivation area in the north of the country. Our results showed that the receptivity of this area is very high during all the period of the rice cultivation, from May to October, the vectorial capacity of An. labranchiae, malaria vector in Morocco, is considerably high during the summer which corresponds to the rice cultivation period. The risk of autochthonous malaria resumption is important because of the possible presence of gametocytes carriers in the last malaria focus which is bordering the study area. The risk of a tropical malaria introduction is unimportant seen the low vulnerability of the area and the uncertain competence of its vectors considered. However, this risk must be considered with a more attention.
Parasite, 2008
To assess the malaria reintroduction risk in Morocco, we analyzed the malariogenic potential of a... more To assess the malaria reintroduction risk in Morocco, we analyzed the malariogenic potential of a rice cultivation area in the north of the country. Our results showed that the receptivity of this area is very high during all the period of the rice cultivation, from May to October. the vectorial capacity of An. labranchiae, malaria vector in Morocco, is considerably high during the summer which corresponds to the rice cultivation period. The risk of autochthonous malaria resumption is important because of the possible presence of gametocytes carriers in the last malaria focus which is bordering the study area. The risk of a tropical malaria introduction is unimportant seen the low vulnerability of the area and the uncertain competence of its vectors considered. However, this risk must be considered with a more attention. Résumé : Dans le but d'estimer le risque de réintroduction du paludisme au Maroc, nous avons analysé le potentiel paludogène d'une zone rizicole au nord du pays. Nos résultats ont montré que la capacité vectorielle d'An. labranchiae, vecteur du paludisme au Maroc, était particulièrement élevée pendant la période estivale qui correspond à la période de culture du riz. Le risque d'une reprise de la transmission du paludisme autochtone est élevé du fait de l'éventuelle présence de porteurs de parasite dans le dernier foyer de paludisme limitrophe de la zone d'étude. Le risque d'une introduction du paludisme tropical est faible, vu la faible vulnérabilité de la région et la compétence de ses vecteurs, considérée comme faible. Toutefois, ce risque doit faire l'objet d'une grande attention.
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2012
The Maremma Plain (central Italy) was hyper-endemic for malaria until the mid-20th century, when ... more The Maremma Plain (central Italy) was hyper-endemic for malaria until the mid-20th century, when a national campaign for malaria elimination drastically reduced the presence of the main vector Anopheles labranchiae Falleroni. However, the introduction of rice cultivation over 30 yr ago has led to an increase in the An. labranchiae population and concern over possible malaria reemergence. We studied the impact of anthropogenic environmental changes on the abundance and distribution of An. labranchiae in Maremma, focusing on rice Þelds, the main breeding sites. Adults and larvae were collected in three main areas with diverse ecological characteristics. Data were collected on human activity, land use, and seasonal climatic and demographic variations. We also interviewed residents and tourists regarding their knowledge of malaria. Our Þndings showed that the most important environmental changes have occurred along the coast; An. labranchiae foci are present throughout the area, with massive reproduction strictly related to rice cultivation in coastal areas. Although the abundance of this species has drastically decreased over the past 30 yr, it remains high and, together with climatic conditions and the potential introduction of gametocyte carriers, it may represent a threat for the occurrence of autochthonous malaria cases. Our Þndings suggest the need for the continuous monitoring of An. labranchiae in the study area. In addition to entomological surveillance, more detailed knowledge of human-induced environmental changes is needed, so as to have a more complete database that can be used for vector-control plans and for properly managing emergencies related to autochthonous introduced cases.
Insect Molecular Biology, 2000
The group of anopheline mosquitoes referred to as ' Anopheles maculipennis complex' includes the ... more The group of anopheline mosquitoes referred to as ' Anopheles maculipennis complex' includes the most important malaria vectors of the Palearctic Western region. The species belonging to this complex, however, are difficult or impossible to distinguish by morphological characters. To differentiate sibling palearctic species belonging to this complex, interspecific differences in the ITS2 sequences were used to set up a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool based on heteroduplex analysis. The relative heteroduplex mobility allowed the following seven species to be readily distinguished: An. atroparvus , An. labranchiae , An. maculipennis s.s., An. martinius , An melanoon , An. messeae and An. sacharovi.
EcoHealth, 2013
In Italy, West Nile virus (WNV) equine outbreaks have occurred annually since 2008. Characterizin... more In Italy, West Nile virus (WNV) equine outbreaks have occurred annually since 2008. Characterizing WNV vector habitat requirements allows for the identification of areas at risk of viral amplification and transmission. Maxent-based ecological niche models were developed using literature records of 13 potential WNV Italian vector mosquito species to predict their habitat suitability range and to investigate possible geographical associations with WNV equine outbreak occurrence in Italy from 2008 to 2010. The contribution of different environmental variables to the niche models was also assessed. Suitable habitats for Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus, and Anopheles maculipennis were widely distributed; Culex modestus, Ochlerotatus geniculatus, Ochlerotatus caspius, Coquillettidia richiardii, Aedes vexans, and Anopheles plumbeus were concentrated in north-central Italy; Aedes cinereus, Culex theileri, Ochlerotatus dorsalis, and Culiseta longiareolata were restricted to coastal/southern areas. Elevation, temperature, and precipitation variables showed the highest predictive power. Host population and landscape variables provided minor contributions. WNV equine outbreaks had a significantly higher probability to occur in habitats suitable for Cx. modestus and Cx. pipiens, providing circumstantial evidence that the potential distribution of these two species coincides geographically with the observed distribution of the disease in equines.
22. Congresso nazionale …, 2009
Boccolini D, Di Luca M, Toma L, Severini F, Massa AA, Mancini Barbieri F, Tamburro A, Pontuale G,... more Boccolini D, Di Luca M, Toma L, Severini F, Massa AA, Mancini Barbieri F, Tamburro A, Pontuale G, Cocchi M. Ulteriori indagini sulla presenza di specie del complesso Anopheles maculipennis nella maremma toscana. In: 22. Congresso nazionale italiano di entomologia. ...
Parassitologia, 2006
Citation: Boccolini D, Di Luca M, Severini F, Toma L, Mancini Barbieri F, Cocchi M, Pontuale G, T... more Citation: Boccolini D, Di Luca M, Severini F, Toma L, Mancini Barbieri F, Cocchi M, Pontuale G, Tamburro A, Romi R. Anophelinae mosquito surveillance in Maremma, the most at risk area of malaria reintroduction in Italy [abstract]. Parassitologia 2006; 48 (1-2): 153.
Eurosurveillance, 2001
In 1999-2000, a total of 2060 malaria cases were reported by the ISS. Most of the patients took i... more In 1999-2000, a total of 2060 malaria cases were reported by the ISS. Most of the patients took inappropriate treatments or did not have any prophylaxis. Ninety-three per cent became infected in African malarious countries, 4% in Asian countries, and 3% in Latin America. P. falciparum accounted for 84% of the cases, followed by P. vivax (8%), P. ovale (5%), and P. malariae (2%). Deaths corresponded to an annual case fatality rate of 0.3% in 1999 and 0.5% in 2000. In general, imported malaria cases reflect the number of Italian travellers who underestimate the infection risk in Asian and Latin American malarious countries and permanent residents of African origin who visit their relatives in their native countries.
Eurosurveillance, 2012
We describe two cases of probable autochthonous introduced Plasmodium vivax malaria that occurred... more We describe two cases of probable autochthonous introduced Plasmodium vivax malaria that occurred in 2009 and 2011 in two sites of South-Central Italy. Although the sources of the infections were not detected, local transmission could not be disproved and therefore the cases were classified as autochthonous. Sporadic P. vivax cases transmitted by indigenous vectors may be considered possible in some areas of the country where vector abundance and environmental conditions are favourable to malaria transmission.
Eurosurveillance, 2012
To the editor: Dr Nicastri argues that cryptic sporadic cases may not be considered as autochthon... more To the editor: Dr Nicastri argues that cryptic sporadic cases may not be considered as autochthonous unless other cases have been identified in a specific geographical area. This is a rigid and not scientifically corroborated assumption that, in our opinion, cannot be generalised. In fact, there is no reason to assume that secondary cases should necessarily occur [1,2], since the generation of a chain of transmission depends strictly on the basic reproductive number R0, which is influenced by a series of factors [3] ranging from prevalence of infection among mosquitoes (likely to be very low when autochthonous introduced cases occur, as demonstrated by the lack of detection of plasmodia among mosquitoes in recent outbreaks in Greece) and probability of exposure of humans to mosquito bites. Dr Nicastri’s latter two points pertain to only one of the two cases and have been critically discussed in our article. However, it should be mentioned that the patient who visited Santo Domingo d...
The new microbiologica, 2019
Both malaria and relapsing fever Borrelia are infectious diseases characterized by fever, headach... more Both malaria and relapsing fever Borrelia are infectious diseases characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, hepatosplenomegaly and tendency to relapse. Exflagellation of microgametocyte in malarial parasites is seen only in the definitive host, i.e., mosquitoes. Here we report an unusual case of a 23-year-old man who presented Plasmodium vivax infection with multiple exflagellated microgametes in the peripheral blood smear.
Bulletin de la Société de pathologie exotique (1990), 2004
Anopheles belonging to Anopheles maculipennis complex, collected from February to June 2002 in ei... more Anopheles belonging to Anopheles maculipennis complex, collected from February to June 2002 in eight provinces of Morocco (Khouribga, Taounate, Alhouceima, Chefchaouen, Fes, Khemisset, Kalaa Sraghna and Benslimane), were identified with characterization of the ribosomal DNA by PCR and ITS2 sequence analysis. The results of this study showed that all the identified specimens belong to the Anopheles labranchiae species.
Parassitologia, 2000
The polymorphism of paracentric inversions of Anopheles funestus polytene chromosomes was studied... more The polymorphism of paracentric inversions of Anopheles funestus polytene chromosomes was studied in three villages (Nkoteng, Obala, and Simbock) located in a forest area of South Cameroon in order to analyse the genetic structure of these populations. A total of 146-210 chromatids could be scored from specimens collected over about two years. A low degree of chromosomal polymorphism was observed with two floating inversions on chromosomal arm 2 (2h and 2d), and three fixed arrangements on arms 3 (3a and 3b), and 5 (5a). Such arrangement of inversions has never been recorded elsewhere so far. The chromosome analysis indicated that the population from Obala was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, whereas the samples from Nkoteng and Simbock showed a significant excess and deficit of heterokaryotypes, respectively. Significant differences in inversion frequencies on chromosomal arm 2 among villages lying in contrasting eco-climatic settings suggested an adaptive role of these inversions.