Genetic variability and vectorial capacity in Tanzania members of the Anopheles Gambiae (giles) complex (Diptera, Culicidae)

Abstract

The objective of the work reported here was to evaluate the biochemical Key of Miles (1979), vis-a-vis standard chromosomal methods in the identification of infra-generic taxa, recognition of genetic variability and determination of vectorial capacity of the Anopheles gambiae (Giles) species complex (Diptera, Culicidae). The investigations were conducted during 1982-85 in areas of Tanzania representing various ecological zones.Seasonal and geographical differences in the frequencies of chromosomal inversions and electromorphs were found and are herein assessed for compliance with Castle-Hardy-Weinberg equilibria. Variations were also exposed in malarial sporozoite and filarial infective rates of chromosomally and electrophorectically identified species of the complex. Inter-locality differences in the transmission of bancroftian filariasis are accounted for. These results are held to be a basic contribution towards the control of the Anopheles gambiae species complex in Tanzania.