Anopheles species complexes from Guyana and Venezuela malaria endemic areas using COI sequences

BACKGROUND Effective interventions for controlling Anopheles malaria vectors depend on accurately identifying the species. Venezuela has the highest malaria prevalence in the region of the Americas; however, there is very limited knowledge about the vectors, especially regarding species complexes and their distribution. OBJECTIVES To conduct molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic analysis of the Albitarsis, Nuneztovari, and Oswaldoi complexes from malaria-endemic regions of Guyana and Venezuela using mtCOI sequences. METHODS Anopheles were collected in Guyana (Potaro Region) and Venezuela (five municipalities). Species identification was carried out by analyzing mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase ( mtCOI ) gene data using MrBayes, TCS, Posterior Probabilities of Correct Identification (P ID), Rosenberg’s P (AB) values, and P (Randomly Distinct) as species delimitation approaches. FINDINGS Four distinct taxa were identified: An. albitarsis F, An. goeldii , An. oswaldoi A and An. oswaldoi B. Anopheles oswaldoi A and An. oswaldoi B occurred sympatrically in Boca de Nichare, Bolívar State, Venezuela. CONCLUSION Anopheles goeldii is reported for the first time from Guyana and Venezuela, and discuss its role as vector of malaria parasites in both countries and its relative recent colonization. Anopheles oswaldoi A is reported for the first time from Venezuela. Anopheles albitarsis F, an important malaria vector in Colombia and Venezuela, is confirmed as the only species of the Albitarsis complex widely distributed in Venezuela. Our results will be valuable for future research aimed at clarifying the status of these significant species complexes in the region.