Entomological surveillance using DNA barcoding identify presence of Lutzomyia verrucarum sandfly in leishmaniasis endemic community in Mexico

• Published in: Genome Vol. 60; no. 11; p. 903
• Main Authors: Adeniran, Adebiyi A, Gonzalez-Roldan, Jesus F, Fernandez-Santos, Nadia A, Trevino-Garza, Nancy, Correa-Morales, Fabian, Huerta-Jimenez, Heron, Mis-Avila, Pedro C, Camara, Raul, Perez, Wilbert, Ortega-Morales, Aldo I, Rodriguez-Perez, Mario A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ottawa NRC Research Press 01.11.2017; Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press
• Subjects: Arthropods; Causes of; Communities; Control programs; Deoxyribonucleic acid; Diptera; Disease transmission; Distribution; DNA; DNA barcoding; Ecological monitoring; Ecological studies; Entomology; Gene sequencing; Genetic aspects; Geographical distribution; Health aspects; Leishmaniasis; Lutzomyia; Mitochondria; Morphology; Phylogenetics; Phylogeny; Species; Surveillance; Vector-borne diseases; Vectors; Mexico
• ISSN: 0831-2796; 1480-3321
• DOI: 10.1139/gen-2017-0178

Background: Continuous endemicity and re-emergence of vectorborne diseases in Mexico have called for a new approach to vector control programs including regular surveillance. Correct and accurate identification of vectors is essential for a successful surveillance program. This study uses DNA barcoding under the Mexican Barcode of Life (MexBol) project to improve vector surveillance and accurately delineate arthropod vector diversities including sandfly for leishmaniasis control in Mexico. In October and November 2016, sandflies were collected from different regions in Quintana Roo, Mexico, where leishmaniasis is endemic, using CDC light and Shannon traps. This project formed part of the health ministry surveillance program. Results: Samples collected were sorted by sex, and female samples were pooled for PCR for pathogen examination. Thirty-three (33) male samples were morphologically identified as two species with Lutzomyia cruciata (28, 84.8%) and Lutzomyia deleoni (5, 15.2%). However, molecular identification using a 658-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene revealed previously identified L. deleoni to be L. verrucarum with a 90%-93% identity match on NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, with the species described from Peru. Phylogenetic analysis using neighbour-joining (NJ) also showed these species to cluster 100% with L. verrucarum that were isolated from a leishmaniasis endemic community in Peru. Significance: Further sample collections are planned at the geographical location where these species were collected previously to confirm the species identification. The role of exotic L. verrucarum on local transmission of leishmaniasis is currently unknown as this species has not been previously reported in Mexico. However, this species is actively involved in transmission in Peru, thus calling for the need of a detailed ecological study to fully understand the role of this species in the transmission dynamics of leishmaniasis in Mexico.