Molecular characterization of the Anopheles maculipennis complex in the Islamic Republic of Iran

A diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using species-specific primers and direct sequencing was used to identify members of the Anopheles maculipennis complex in the north-west and central regions of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Specimens were collected from 9 provinces during 2 seasonal activities in 2001-2002, identified morphologically and subjected to PCR assay and direct sequencing. Results showed that only 2 species, An. maculipennis Meigen, and An. sacharovi Faver, were present in the area of study. This was confirmed by the high similarity (99.2%-100%) of their sequences with those available in GenBank. The molecular data and relative distribution of these species in relation to their vectorial capacity and the epidemiology of malaria in the region are discussed.