Low Gene Flow of Aedes aegypti between Dengue-Endemic and Dengue-Free Areas in Southeastern and Southern Brazil

Abstract : We present a population genetic study of Aedes aegypti in Brazil using isoenzyme markers. Four poly-morphic loci were used to examine 11 mosquito collections at four periods in 2003. Samples from a dengue-endemic area (southeastern region) and a dengue-free area (southern region) connected by an important network of roads and railways were analyzed. The degree of genetic differentiation observed between populations is consistent with limited gene flow between them. There was no evidence of passive dispersion of Ae. aegypti by vehicles among the different routes linking metropolitan areas.