Variable performance of DNA barcoding and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae), with a focus on the Punctor subgroup
Abstract Arctic ecosystems face increasing risks from vector-borne diseases due to climate-driven shifts in disease patterns and vector distribution. However, species identification challenges impact vector-borne disease surveillance, necessitates accurate identification. Aedes specie...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny |
| Online Access: | https://arthropod-systematics.arphahub.com/article/111985/download/pdf/ |
| _version_ | 1797346879848054784 |
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| author | Carol-Anne Villeneuve Louwrens P. Snyman Emily J. Jenkins Nicolas Lecomte Isabelle Dusfour Patrick A. Leighton |
| author_facet | Carol-Anne Villeneuve Louwrens P. Snyman Emily J. Jenkins Nicolas Lecomte Isabelle Dusfour Patrick A. Leighton |
| author_sort | Carol-Anne Villeneuve |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Arctic ecosystems face increasing risks from vector-borne diseases due to climate-driven shifts in disease patterns and vector distribution. However, species identification challenges impact vector-borne disease surveillance, necessitates accurate identification. Aedes species are predominant among Arctic mosquitoes and pose health risks, with some species potentially carrying Jamestown Canyon and Snowshoe hare viruses. However, identifying Aedes species is challenging, especially under Arctic conditions and with complex adult traits. This study assessed the suitability of DNA barcoding (COI and ITS2 regions) and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes. It also aimed to evaluate the reliability of publicly available sequences. Our analysis focused on Aedes impiger, Aedes nigripes, and two species from the Punctor subgroup – Aedes hexodontus and Aedes punctor. In our study, the COI barcoding region distinguished Ae. impiger and Ae. nigripes but not within the species of the Punctor subgroup. In addition, the ITS2 barcoding region did not differentiate the species. When we evaluated GenBank and BOLD sequences, we found issues of under-representation and misidentifications, particularly within the Punctor subgroup. Based on these results, we recommend addressing identification difficulties, particularly within the Punctor subgroup, and advocate for more comprehensive morphological and molecular identification strategies. Integrating morphology and DNA barcoding holds promise for robust disease surveillance in Arctic regions, yet challenges persist, especially in complex species groups like the Punctor subgroup. Tackling these issues is pivotal to ensuring accurate vector status determination and reliable disease risk assessments in a rapidly changing Arctic ecosystem. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T11:38:38Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-9b95c41cb36d4562b439b311ca8cc8b7 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1864-8312 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T11:38:38Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny |
| spelling | doaj.art-9b95c41cb36d4562b439b311ca8cc8b72024-01-25T10:46:09ZengSenckenberg Gesellschaft für NaturforschungArthropod Systematics & Phylogeny1864-83122024-01-0182173410.3897/asp.82.e111985111985Variable performance of DNA barcoding and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae), with a focus on the Punctor subgroupCarol-Anne Villeneuve0Louwrens P. Snyman1Emily J. Jenkins2Nicolas Lecomte3Isabelle Dusfour4Patrick A. Leighton5Université de MontréalRoyal Alberta MuseumUniversity of SaskatchewanUniversité de MonctonInstitut PasteurUniversité de MontréalAbstract Arctic ecosystems face increasing risks from vector-borne diseases due to climate-driven shifts in disease patterns and vector distribution. However, species identification challenges impact vector-borne disease surveillance, necessitates accurate identification. Aedes species are predominant among Arctic mosquitoes and pose health risks, with some species potentially carrying Jamestown Canyon and Snowshoe hare viruses. However, identifying Aedes species is challenging, especially under Arctic conditions and with complex adult traits. This study assessed the suitability of DNA barcoding (COI and ITS2 regions) and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes. It also aimed to evaluate the reliability of publicly available sequences. Our analysis focused on Aedes impiger, Aedes nigripes, and two species from the Punctor subgroup – Aedes hexodontus and Aedes punctor. In our study, the COI barcoding region distinguished Ae. impiger and Ae. nigripes but not within the species of the Punctor subgroup. In addition, the ITS2 barcoding region did not differentiate the species. When we evaluated GenBank and BOLD sequences, we found issues of under-representation and misidentifications, particularly within the Punctor subgroup. Based on these results, we recommend addressing identification difficulties, particularly within the Punctor subgroup, and advocate for more comprehensive morphological and molecular identification strategies. Integrating morphology and DNA barcoding holds promise for robust disease surveillance in Arctic regions, yet challenges persist, especially in complex species groups like the Punctor subgroup. Tackling these issues is pivotal to ensuring accurate vector status determination and reliable disease risk assessments in a rapidly changing Arctic ecosystem.https://arthropod-systematics.arphahub.com/article/111985/download/pdf/ |
| spellingShingle | Carol-Anne Villeneuve Louwrens P. Snyman Emily J. Jenkins Nicolas Lecomte Isabelle Dusfour Patrick A. Leighton Variable performance of DNA barcoding and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae), with a focus on the Punctor subgroup Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny |
| title | Variable performance of DNA barcoding and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae), with a focus on the Punctor subgroup |
| title_full | Variable performance of DNA barcoding and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae), with a focus on the Punctor subgroup |
| title_fullStr | Variable performance of DNA barcoding and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae), with a focus on the Punctor subgroup |
| title_full_unstemmed | Variable performance of DNA barcoding and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae), with a focus on the Punctor subgroup |
| title_short | Variable performance of DNA barcoding and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae), with a focus on the Punctor subgroup |
| title_sort | variable performance of dna barcoding and morpholo gical characteristics for the identification of arctic black legged aedes diptera culicidae with a focus on the punctor subgroup |
| url | https://arthropod-systematics.arphahub.com/article/111985/download/pdf/ |
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