ScienceNatureMitochondrial COI reveals pronounced geographic structuring and limited gene flow in global Aedes aegypti populations
A genetic study of the mosquito that spreads dengue and Zika found its populations are quite isolated from each other around the world, which could help improve pest control.
Aedes aegypti is a major vector of several arboviral diseases, and understanding its global genetic diversity is critical for effective control strategies. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is widely used in population genetics due to its relatively rapid mutation rate and maternal inheritance. This study analyzed 480 mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences from five continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America) to investigate genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogeographic patterns. A total of 96 haplotypes, 197 polymorphic sites, and 214 mutations were identified. High global haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.934) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.08596) indicate substantial genetic variation. Africa exhibited the highest haplotype diversity, while Asia showed the highest nucleotide diversity. The haplotype network revealed 83 unique haplotypes and only 13 shared haplotypes, including a globally distributed lineage (Hap_9), suggesting both local diversification and long-distance dispersal. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two weakly supported clades, with most haplotypes forming a single mixed cluster, indicating limited phylogeographic structure. However, population genetic analyses showed significant differentiation among continents (FST = 0.18789, P < 0.001), with most variation occurring within populations (81.21%). Moderate gene flow (Nm = 1.08), together with a weak but significant isolation-by-distance pattern, further indicates partial connectivity among populations. Overall, the results highlight a complex global genetic landscape shaped by historical dispersal, human-mediated movement, and regional evolutionary processes. These findings provide valuable insights for improving vector surveillance and control strategies worldwide.
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