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Gupta KA, Ikonomidou VN, Glancey M, Faiman R, Talafha S, Ford T, Jenkins T, Goodwin A. Mosquito species identification accuracy of early deployed algorithms in IDX, A vector identification tool. Acta Trop 2024; 260:107392. [PMID: 39255861 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a great threat to global public health systems due to increased insecticide resistance and climate change. Accurate vector identification is crucial for effective control, yet it presents significant challenges. IDX - an automated computer vision-based device capable of capturing mosquito images and outputting mosquito species ID has been deployed globally resulting in algorithms currently capable of identifying 53 mosquito species. In this study, we evaluate deployed performance of the IDX mosquito species identification algorithms using data from partners in the Southeastern United States (SE US) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2023 and 2024. This preliminary assessment indicates continued improvement of the IDX mosquito species identification algorithms over the study period for individual species as well as average regional accuracy with macro average recall improving from 55.3 % [Confidence Interval (CI) 48.9, 61.7] to 80.2 % [CI 77.3, 84.9] for SE US, and 84.1 % [CI 75.1, 93.1] to 93.6 % [CI 91.6, 95.6] for PNG using a CI of 90 %. This study underscores the importance of algorithm refinement and dataset expansion covering more species and regions to enhance identification systems thereby reducing the workload for human experts, addressing taxonomic expertise gaps, and improving vector control efforts.
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Laojun S, Sontigun N, Chaiphongpachara T. Influence of insular conditions on wing phenotypic variation in two dominant mosquito vectors, Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus (Diptera: Culicidae), in the border archipelagos of Thailand. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:349-360. [PMID: 38641881 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Insects geographically separated into island and mainland populations often exhibit phenotypic variations, a phenomenon known as insular conditions. These conditions can lead to rapid evolutionary changes that affect the morphological characteristics of mosquito vectors. Nevertheless, studies that specifically examine phenotype differences between island and mainland mosquito populations have been limited. In this study, wing variation in size and shape was investigated using the geometric morphometric (GM) technique in two dominant mosquito vectors, Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus, in the Ranong and Trat archipelagos of Thailand. Significant differences in average wing centroid size (CS) were found in 6 out of 15 population pairs for Ae. albopictus (p < 0.05) and in 5 population pairs for Ar. subalbatus (p < 0.05). After removing the allometric effect, canonical variate analyses (CVA) based on wing shape analysis revealed overlap across all populations for both Ae. albopictus and Ar. subalbatus. However, the statistical analysis indicated that Ar. subalbatus exhibited wing shape differences across all populations (p < 0.05), and most Ae. albopictus populations also displayed distinct wing shapes (p < 0.05), except for the populations from Chang Island and the mainland of Ranong, which showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). These findings enhance our understanding of mosquito adaptability in island regions and provide valuable data for the surveillance and monitoring of vector evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedthapong Laojun
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, Thailand
| | - Narin Sontigun
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, Thailand
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Weluwanarak T, Chaiphongpachara T, Changbunjong T. Evaluation of the wing cell contour to distinguish between Stomoxys bengalensis and Stomoxys sitiens (Diptera: Muscidae) using outline-based morphometrics. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 6:100204. [PMID: 39185326 PMCID: PMC11342272 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The blood-sucking flies of the genus Stomoxys Geoffroy, 1762 (Diptera: Muscidae) are significant ectoparasites that can cause irritation and transmit pathogens to both animals and humans. Within the genus Stomoxys, two species, Stomoxys bengalensis and Stomoxys sitiens, have similar morphology and coexist in the same habitat. Accurate species identification of these flies is crucial for understanding disease vectors and implementing effective control measures. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of outline-based geometric morphometrics (GM) by analyzing the wing cell contour of the first posterior cell (R5) to distinguish between species and sexes of S. bengalensis and S. sitiens. Our results demonstrate that the outline-based GM method is highly effective in distinguishing between species and sexes of these flies based on contour shape, with accuracy scores ranging from 90.0% to 97.5%. Therefore, outline-based GM emerges as a promising alternative to landmark-based GM or as a supplementary tool in conjunction with traditional morphology-based methods for species identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thekhawet Weluwanarak
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, 75000, Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
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Saeung M, Pengon J, Pethrak C, Thaiudomsup S, Lhaosudto S, Saeung A, Manguin S, Chareonviriyaphap T, Jupatanakul N. Dirus complex species identification PCR (DiCSIP) improves the identification of Anopheles dirus complex from the Greater Mekong Subregion. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:260. [PMID: 38880909 PMCID: PMC11181648 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06321-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Anopheles dirus complex plays a significant role as a malaria vector in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), with varying degrees of vector competence among species. Accurate identification of sibling species in this complex is essential for understanding malaria transmission dynamics and deploying effective vector control measures. However, the original molecular identification assay, Dirus allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR), targeting the ITS2 region, has pronounced nonspecific amplifications leading to ambiguous results and misidentification of the sibling species. This study investigates the underlying causes of these inconsistencies and develops new primers to accurately identify species within the Anopheles dirus complex. METHODS The AS-PCR reaction and thermal cycling conditions were modified to improve specificity for An. dirus member species identification. In silico analyses with Benchling and Primer-BLAST were conducted to identify problematic primers and design a new set for Dirus complex species identification PCR (DiCSIP). DiCSIP was then validated with laboratory and field samples of the An. dirus complex. RESULTS Despite several optimizations by reducing primer concentration, decreasing thermal cycling time, and increasing annealing temperature, the Dirus AS-PCR continued to produce inaccurate identifications for Anopheles dirus, Anopheles scanloni, and Anopheles nemophilous. Subsequently, in silico analyses pinpointed problematic primers with high Guanine-Cytosine (GC) content and multiple off-target binding sites. Through a series of in silico analyses and laboratory validation, a new set of primers for Dirus complex species identification PCR (DiCSIP) has been developed. DiCSIP primers improve specificity, operational range, and sensitivity to identify five complex member species in the GMS accurately. Validation with laboratory and field An. dirus complex specimens demonstrated that DiCSIP could correctly identify all samples while the original Dirus AS-PCR misidentified An. dirus as other species when used with different thermocyclers. CONCLUSIONS The DiCSIP assay offers a significant improvement in An. dirus complex identification, addressing challenges in specificity and efficiency of the previous ITS2-based assay. This new primer set provides a valuable tool for accurate entomological surveys, supporting effective vector control strategies to reduce transmission and prevent malaria re-introducing in the GMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manop Saeung
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- HSM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Jutharat Pengon
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Chatpong Pethrak
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Saranya Thaiudomsup
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Suthat Lhaosudto
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Atiporn Saeung
- Parasitology and Entomology Research Cluster (PERC), Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Research and Lifelong Learning Center for Urban and Environmental Entomology, Kasetsart University Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Natapong Jupatanakul
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Pathum Thani, Thailand.
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Laojun S, Changbunjong T, Chaiphongpachara T. Insights into the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mt-COI) gene and wing morphometrics of Anopheles baimaii (Diptera: Culicidae) in malaria-endemic islands of Thailand. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:171. [PMID: 38530429 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08195-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Anopheles baimaii (Diptera: Culicidae) significantly contributes to the transmission of parasites causing malaria in Southeast Asia and South Asia. This study examined the morphological (wing shape) and molecular (mitochondrial gene) variations of An. baimaii in four of Thailand's border islands, and also investigated the presence of Plasmodium parasites in these mosquitoes. No Plasmodium infections were detected in the samples. Significant differences in wing shape were observed in most island populations (p < 0.05). A single-linkage tree, constructed using Mahalanobis distances, clustered the populations into two groups based on geographical locations. Genetic variation in An. baimaii was also analyzed through cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. This analysis identified 22 segregating sites and a low nucleotide diversity of 0.004. Furthermore, 18 distinct haplotypes were identified, indicating a high haplotype diversity of 0.825. Neutrality tests for the overall population revealed a significantly negative Fu's Fs value (-5.029), indicating a population expansion. In contrast, Tajima's D yielded a negative value (-1.028) that did not reach statistical significance. The mismatch distribution analysis exhibited a bimodal pattern, and the raggedness index was 0.068, showing no significant discrepancy (p = 0.485) between observed and expected distributions. Pairwise genetic differentiation assessments demonstrated significant differences between all populations (p < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights into the COI gene and wing morphometric variations in An. baimaii across Thailand's islands, offering critical information for understanding the adaptations of this malaria vector and guiding future comprehensive research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedthapong Laojun
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, 75000, Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, 75000, Thailand.
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Laojun S, Changbunjong T, Sumruayphol S, Pimsuka S, Chaiphongpachara T. Wing geometric morphometrics and DNA barcoding to distinguish three closely related species of Armigeres mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand. Vet Parasitol 2024; 325:110092. [PMID: 38070383 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Armigeres subalbatus, a mosquito species widely found in Thailand and other Asian countries, serves as a vector for filarial parasites, affecting both humans and animals. However, the surveillance of this vector is complicated because of its morphological similarity to two other species, Armigeres dohami and Armigeres kesseli. To differentiate these morphologically similar species, our study employed both wing geometric morphometrics (GM) and DNA barcoding, offering a comprehensive approach to accurately identify these closely related Armigeres species in Thailand. Our GM analyses based on shape demonstrated significant accuracy in differentiating Armigeres species. Specifically, the outline-based GM method focusing on the 3rd posterior cell exhibited an accuracy rate of 82.61%, closely followed by the landmark-based GM method with 81.54%. Both these GM techniques effectively distinguished Ar. subalbatus from Ar. dohami and Ar. kesseli. Regarding DNA barcoding, our investigation of pairwise intra- and interspecific divergences revealed a "barcoding gap". Furthermore, the results of species confirmation using both species delimitation methods including the automatic barcode gap discovery method (ABGD) and the Multi-rate Poisson tree process (mPTP) were consistent with those of morphological identification, sequence comparisons with the GenBank and Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) databases, and the neighbor-joining tree construction. These consistent results emphasize the efficacy of DNA barcoding in the precise identification of Armigeres species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedthapong Laojun
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Suchada Sumruayphol
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Siripong Pimsuka
- School of Public Health, Eastern Asia University, Pathumthani 12110, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand.
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Jeon J, Kim HC, Klein TA, Choi KS. Analysis of geometric morphometrics and molecular phylogeny for Anopheles species in the Republic of Korea. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22009. [PMID: 38086890 PMCID: PMC10716165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49536-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Human malaria, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, is the most predominant mosquito-borne disease that is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. In the Republic of Korea (ROK), there are currently several hundred malaria cases annually, mostly near the demilitarized zone (DMZ). Eight species of Anopheles mosquitoes are currently known to be present in the ROK. Similar to other major malaria vectors in Africa and India, it is very challenging to morphologically differentiate Anopheles mosquitoes in the ROK due to their extremely similar morphology. In this study, wing geometric morphometrics (WGM) were used to differentiate the eight Anopheles species collected at six locations near the DMZ, Seoul and Pyeongtaek from April-October 2021. Phylogenetic analysis was also performed using cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) genes for comparison with WGM analysis and to infer evolutionary relationships. The results of cross-validation (overall accuracy = 74.8%) demonstrated that species identification using WGM alone was not possible with a high accuracy for all eight species. While phylogenetic analyses based on the COI region could not clearly distinguish some species, the analysis based on ITS2 and TH was more useful for resolving the phylogenetic correlation of the eight species. Our results may improve Anopheles species identification strategies for effective identification and control of malaria vectors in the ROK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiseung Jeon
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- School of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Dok-do and Ulleung-do Island, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung Chul Kim
- U Inc., Daesakwan-ro 34-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04409, Republic of Korea
| | - Terry A Klein
- Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Unit 15281, Pyeongtaek, APO AP 96281-5281, USA
- PSC 450, Box 75R, Pyeongtaek, APO AP 96206, USA
| | - Kwang Shik Choi
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
- School of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute for Dok-do and Ulleung-do Island, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute for Phylogenomics and Evolution, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Ardkhongharn N, Ravichotikul R, Aksornchai P, Weluwanarak T, Chaiphongpachara T, Changbunjong T. Wing geometric morphometrics to distinguish and identify Haematobosca flies (Diptera: Muscidae) from Thailand. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:74-82. [PMID: 37144141 PMCID: PMC10151224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The hematophagous flies of the genus Haematobosca Bezzi, 1907 (Diptera: Muscidae) are important ectoparasites in domestic animals and wildlife. Two species of this genus have been recorded in Thailand, viz., Haematobosca sanguinolenta (Austen, 1909) and Haematobosca aberrans (Pont, Duvallet & Changbunjong, 2020). They have a similar morphology and coexist in the same habitat. The correct species identification of these flies is extremely important for understanding disease epidemiology and developing effective control measures. Geometric morphometrics (GM) has been confirmed to be a useful tool for differentiating and identifying morphologically similar insect species. Therefore, GM was used to distinguish and identify H. sanguinolenta and H. aberrans in Thailand. Adult flies of both sexes were collected using Nzi traps, morphologically identified, and analyzed by landmark-based GM of the wing. Results showed that GM was highly effective in distinguishing the two Haematobosca species based on their wing shape, with an overall accuracy score of 99.3%. We also revealed that our study material could be used as reference data to identify new field specimens collected from other geographic locations. We propose that wing GM can be used as a supplement to conventional morphology identification, particularly for Haematobosca specimen that has been damaged or has lost its diagnostic characteristics due to specimen collection and processing in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusara Ardkhongharn
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Romyakorn Ravichotikul
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Patthanan Aksornchai
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Thekhawet Weluwanarak
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, 75000, Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
- Corresponding author. Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
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Laojun S, Changbunjong T, Sumruayphol S, Chaiphongpachara T. Molecular and morphometric differentiation of secondary filariasis vector Coquillettidia mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023:105452. [PMID: 37257802 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Coquillettidia mosquitoes are important nuisance-biting pests and a vector of brugian filariasis in Thailand. However, comprehensive information about these mosquitoes remains unavailable such as molecular and morphometric differences among species. The lack of vector knowledge on Coquillettidia species could affect future disease control. This study aims to investigate differences in molecular variations based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and wing geometric traits of three Coquillettidia species, namely Cq. crassipes, Cq. nigrosignata, and Cq. ochracea in Thailand. The results of molecular analyses revealed the differences among three Coquillettidia species. The genetic difference measure based on the Kimura two-parameter model among three Coquillettidia species showed low intraspecific distances (0%-3.05%) and large interspecific distances (10.10%-12.41%). The values of intra- and inter-genetic differences of three Coquillettidia species did not overlap which showed the existence of a barcoding gap indicating the efficiency of the identification based on the COI gene. As with molecular analysis, the landmark-based geometric morphometrics approach based on wing shape analysis indicated three distinct species groups which were supported by the high total performance score of cross-validated classification (97.16%). These results provide the first evidence of taxonomic signal based on molecular and wing geometric differences to support species identification and biological variations of Coquillettidia mosquitoes in Thailand for understanding these rare vector mosquitoes in depth and leading to effective further mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedthapong Laojun
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Ra-jabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Suchada Sumruayphol
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Ra-jabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand.
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Changbunjong T, Chaiphongpachara T, Weluwanarak T. Species Discrimination of Stomoxys Flies S. bengalensis, S. calcitrans, and S. sitiens (Diptera: Muscidae) Using Wing Geometric Morphometrics. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:647. [PMID: 36830433 PMCID: PMC9951760 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The flies of the genus Stomoxys Geoffroy, 1762 (Diptera: Muscidae), are regarded as pests of veterinary and medical importance. In Thailand, Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758) is the most abundant species and is widely distributed throughout the country. This Stomoxys species can coexist with two other morphologically similar species: Stomoxys bengalensis Picard, 1908, and Stomoxys sitiens Rondani, 1873. Hence, discriminating using morphological characteristics is difficult, especially if the specimen is damaged or loses its diagnostic characteristics. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the landmark-based geometric morphometric (GM) approach to discriminate among the three Stomoxys spp.: S. bengalensis, S. calcitrans, and S. sitiens. Left-wing images of S. bengalensis (n = 120), S. calcitrans (n = 150), and S. sitiens (n = 155) were used for the GM analyses. The results of the wing shape analyses revealed that the GM approach was highly effective for discriminating three Stomoxys, with high accuracy scores ranging from 93.75% to 100%. This study adds to the evidence that landmark-based GM is an excellent alternative approach for discriminating Stomoxys species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanasak Changbunjong
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
| | - Thekhawet Weluwanarak
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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Saiwichai T, Laojun S, Chaiphongpachara T, Sumruayphol S. Species Identification of the Major Japanese Encephalitis Vectors within the Culex vishnui Subgroup (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand Using Geometric Morphometrics and DNA Barcoding. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14020131. [PMID: 36835700 PMCID: PMC9964587 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection of the brain caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, which spreads globally, particularly in 24 countries of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region. In Thailand, the primary vectors of JE are Cx. pseudovishnui, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and Cx. vishnui of the Cx. vishnui subgroup. The morphologies of three mosquito species are extremely similar, making identification challenging. Thus, geometric morphometrics (GM) and DNA barcoding were applied for species identification. The results of cross-validation reclassification revealed that the GM technique based on wing shape analysis had relatively high potential for distinguishing Cx. pseudovishnui, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and Cx. vishnui (total performance = 88.34% of correctly assigned individuals). While the DNA barcoding yielded excellent results in identifying these Culex species based on the DNA barcode gap (average intraspecific genetic distance = 0.78% ± 0.39% and average interspecific genetic distance = 6.14% ± 0.79%). However, in the absence of the required facilities for DNA barcoding, GM techniques can be employed in conjunction with morphological methods to enhance the reliability of species identification. Based on the results of this study, our approach can help guide efforts to identify members of the Cx. vishnui subgroup, which will be useful for the effective vector control of JE in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawee Saiwichai
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sedthapong Laojun
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Science, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
| | - Suchada Sumruayphol
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Laojun S, Changbunjong T, Chaiphongpachara T. Evaluation of Modern Techniques for Species Identification of Lutzia Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand: Geometric Morphometrics and DNA Barcoding. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14010078. [PMID: 36662006 PMCID: PMC9862489 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
There are four species of Lutzia mosquitoes in Thailand, including Lutzia chiangmaiensis, Lt. fuscana, Lt. halifaxii, and Lt. vorax. The accurate species identification of adult Lutzia mosquitoes based on morphological features requires many body parts, including the abdominal terga and wing. However, species identification is difficult in the case of damaged specimens when some of their morphological character is missing due to transit or gathering in the field. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy of the landmark-based geometric morphometric (GM) approach for the discrimination of Lutzia species in Thailand. In addition, DNA barcoding was also used in parallel with the GM approach to identify the species. Larvae of Lutzia were collected, raised into adults, and identified based on their morphological characteristics. The validated reclassification test results clearly demonstrated that wing shape resulted in a high level of success in identification (correct identifications ranged from 92.50% to 100%); however, based on the DNA barcoding analyses, our results showed that it was poorly effective in identifying Lt. fuscana and Lt. halifaxii based on an overlap between the intraspecific and interspecific divergence. Moreover, our survey results provide updates on the distribution of Lt. chiangmaiensis and Lt. vorax in Thailand. This research will help medical entomologists more efficiently identify mosquitoes in the genus Lutzia, resulting in more effective mosquito control and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedthapong Laojun
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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Genetic Diversity, Haplotype Relationships, and kdr Mutation of Malaria Anopheles Vectors in the Most Plasmodium knowlesi-Endemic Area of Thailand. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120412. [PMID: 36548667 PMCID: PMC9786164 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium knowlesi, a malaria parasite that occurs naturally in long-tailed macaques, pig-tailed macaques, and banded leaf monkeys, is currently regarded as the fifth of the human malaria parasites. We aimed to investigate genetic diversity based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, detect Plasmodium parasites, and screen for the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC)-mutation-mediated knockdown resistance (kdr) of Anopheles mosquitoes in Ranong province, which is the most P. knowlesi-endemic area in Thailand. One hundred and fourteen Anopheles females belonging to eight species, including An. baimaii (21.05%), An. minimus s.s. (20.17%), An. epiroticus (19.30%), An. jamesii (19.30%), An. maculatus s.s. (13.16%), An. barbirostris A3 (5.26%), An. sawadwongporni (0.88%), and An. aconitus (0.88%), were caught in three geographical regions of Ranong province. None of the Anopheles mosquitoes sampled in this study were infected with Plasmodium parasites. Based on the sequence analysis of COI sequences, An. epiroticus had the highest level of nucleotide diversity (0.012), followed by An. minimus (0.011). In contrast, An. maculatus (0.002) had the lowest level of nucleotide diversity. The Fu's Fs and Tajima's D values of the Anopheles species in Ranong were all negative, except the Tajima's D values of An. minimus (0.077). Screening of VGSC sequences showed no presence of the kdr mutation of Anopheles mosquitoes. Our results could be used to further select effective techniques for controlling Anopheles populations in Thailand's most P. knowlesi-endemic area.
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Geometric morphometric and molecular techniques for discriminating among three cryptic species of the Anopheles barbirostris complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11261. [PMID: 36339998 PMCID: PMC9634016 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anopheles members of the Barbirostris complex are important vectors of malaria in Thailand. However, they are morphologically indistinguishable because they are closely related species. In this study, wing geometric morphometrics (GM) and DNA barcoding based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene were applied to differentiate cryptic species of the Barbirostris complex in Thailand. Three cryptic species of the Barbirostris complex, Anopheles dissidens (19.44%), Anopheles saeungae (24.54%), and Anopheles wejchoochotei (56.02%) were initially identified using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. DNA barcoding analyses showed low intraspecific distances (range, 0.27%–0.63%) and high interspecific distances (range, 1.92%–3.68%), consistent with the phylogenetic analyses that showed clear species groups. While wing size and shape analyses based on landmark-based GM indicated differences between three species (p < 0.05). The cross-validated reclassification revealed that the overall efficacy of wing size analysis for species identification of the Barbirostris complex was less than the wing shape analysis (56.43% vs. 74.29% total performance). Therefore, this study's results are guidelines for applying modern techniques to identify members within the Barbirostris complex, which are still difficult to distinguish by morphology-based identification and contribute to further appropriate malaria control. DNA barcoding based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene is the most reliable identification tool for the Anopheles barbirostris complex. Analysis of wing size and shape of Anopheles dissidens, An. saeungae and An. wejchoochotei based on geometric morphometrics revealed differences between species (p < 0.05). The efficacy of wing shape analysis for species identification of the Barbirostris complex was moderate levels of performance (74.29% accuracy score).
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Mitochondrial DNA barcoding of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275090. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The correct identification of mosquito species is important for effective mosquito vector control. However, the standard morphological identification of mosquito species based on the available keys is not easy with specimens in the field due to missing or damaged morphological features during mosquito collections, often leading to the misidentification of morphologically indistinguishable. To resolve this problem, we collected mosquito species across Thailand to gather genetic information, and evaluated the DNA barcoding efficacy for mosquito species identification in Thailand. A total of 310 mosquito samples, representing 73 mosquito species, were amplified using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) primers. The average maximum intraspecific genetic variation of the 73 mosquito species was 1% ranged from 0–5.7%. While, average minimum interspecific genetic variation (the distance to the nearest neighbour) of the 73 mosquito species was 7% ranged from 0.3–12.9%. The identification of success rates based on the “Best Match,” “Best Close Match,” and “All Species Barcodes” methods were 97.7%, 91.6%, and 81%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses of Anopheles COI sequences demonstrated a clear separation between almost all species (except for those between An. baimaii and An. dirus), with high bootstrap support values (97%–99%). Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses revealed potential sibling species of An. annularis, An. tessellatus, and An. subpictus in Thailand. Our results indicated that DNA barcoding is an effective molecular approach for the accurate identification of mosquitoes in Thailand.
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