Aplicação de uma técnica de biologia molecular para a identificacao do complexo anopheles gambiae a sul de Moçambique

Abstract

An "rDNA-PCR" technique was first introduced and optimized for Mozambican conditions. This technique was used to study the specific composition of mosquitoes collected in three regions south of Mozambique; namely Boane, Chókwe and Matutuine, in 1998. The technique was also used for detailed studies of feeding behavior, resting habits and larval habitat of the same complex in the Boane region. This technique is once again an additional tool in malaria epidemiology studies as well as in the control of disease vectors. Using specific promoters that amplify regions of intergenic spaces (IGS) of rDNA, 851 specimens of larvae and adult mosquitoes were identified. In Boane two species of the complex were found sympatric Anopheles merus and Anopheles arabiensis. However, An. merus was the most abundant species and comprised 81.4% of the total specimens. However, in Matutuine and Chókwe districts, An. arabiensis was the only species found. An. merus was found feeding indoors and outdoors. However, the proportions of An. merus biting outside were significantly higher than specimens biting inside the dwellings.