Macrogeographic genetic variation in a human commensal:Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito

SUMMARY Genetic variation at 11 enzyme loci inAedes aegyptipopulations collected from 63 localities around the world is presented. A UPGMA tree based on genetic distance values clusters populations of sylvanA. aegypti formosusfrom West Africa and East Africa together, along with Asian and south-eastern U.S. populations. DomesticA. aegypti aegyptifrom East Africa and all other New World populations form the other major cluster. Multivariate discriminant analysis allows recognition of seven major global ‘genetic–geographic’ groups, which are consistent with the genetic distance data. Populations from the south-eastern U.S. are clearly genetically distinct from other U.S. and Mexican populations. This distinct gene pool may be indicative of reinfestation of areas whereA. aegyptiappears to have been absent in the recent past. Other evolutionary and epidemiological implications of the genetic population structure ofAedes aegyptiare discussed.