Molecular Identification of Anopheles maculipennis Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) Species in the Northeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye and Research of Plasmodium Presence in These Species

Accurate identification of malaria vectors and detection of pathogens are essential for understanding local transmission dynamics and supporting vector control strategies.In this study a total of 737 adult mosquitoes belonging to the Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae) were collected from eight ecologically diverse localities in the Aras Valley, northeastern Anatolia, Türkiye, during 2019-2020.Collections were performed using New Jersey light traps and mouth aspirators.Molecular identification was performed using a PCR assay based on ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence variation.Electrophoretic profiles and sequence analyses showed that all examined specimens belonged to Anopheles maculipennis sensu stricto.This finding indicates that the species is the dominant and widely distributed member of the complex in the study area.To assess the potential for malaria transmission, individual DNA samples were screened for Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum using nested PCR.No Plasmodium DNA was detected in any individual analyzed.Although the present findings suggest a low level of malaria transmission risk in the Aras Valley, the extensive distribution of a competent vector species, combined with favorable environmental conditions, highlights the necessity of sustained entomological and molecular surveillance.This study updates molecular data on the Anopheles maculipennis complex in northeastern Türkiye and contributes to regional malaria risk assessment.