Mitochondrial COI reveals pronounced geographic structuring and limited gene flow in global Aedes aegypti populations
- 1Department of Zoology, University of Chittagong
- 2Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Chittagong
- 3Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a major vector of several arboviral diseases, and understanding its global genetic diversity is critical for effective control strategies. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is widely used in population genetics due to its relatively rapid mutation rate and maternal inheritance. This study analyzed 480 mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences from five continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America) to investigate genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogeographic patterns. A total of 96 haplotypes, 197 polymorphic sites, and 214 mutations were identified. High global haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.934) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.08596) indicate substantial genetic variation. Africa exhibited the highest haplotype diversity, while Asia showed the highest nucleotide diversity. The haplotype network revealed 83 unique haplotypes and only 13 shared haplotypes, including a globally distributed lineage (Hap_9), suggesting both local diversification and long-distance dispersal. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two weakly supported clades, with most haplotypes forming a single mixed cluster, indicating limited phylogeographic structure. However, population genetic analyses showed significant differentiation among continents (FST = 0.18789, P < 0.001), with most variation occurring within populations (81.21%). Moderate gene flow (Nm = 1.08), together with a weak but significant isolation-by-distance pattern, further indicates partial connectivity among populations. Overall, the results highlight a complex global genetic landscape shaped by historical dispersal, human-mediated movement, and regional evolutionary processes. These findings provide valuable insights for improving vector surveillance and control strategies worldwide.
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BibTeX
@article{siam2026mitochondrial,
title = {{Mitochondrial COI reveals pronounced geographic structuring and limited gene flow in global Aedes aegypti populations}},
author = {Md. Ahashan Habib Siam and D. Dey and J. K. Owaresat and Yousha Shamim Khan and AMAM Zonaed Siddiki},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-63433-y},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63433-y},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Mitochondrial COI reveals pronounced geographic structuring and limited gene flow in global Aedes aegypti populations
AU - Md. Ahashan Habib Siam
AU - D. Dey
AU - J. K. Owaresat
AU - Yousha Shamim Khan
AU - AMAM Zonaed Siddiki
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-63433-y
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63433-y
AB - Aedes aegypti is a major vector of several arboviral diseases, and understanding its global genetic diversity is critical for effective control strategies. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is widely used in population genetics due to its relatively rapid mutation rate and maternal inheritance. This study analyzed 480 mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences from five continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America) to investigate genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogeographic patterns. A total of 96 haplotypes, 197 polymorphic sites, and 214 mutations were identified. High global haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.934) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.08596) indicate substantial genetic variation. Africa exhibited the highest haplotype diversity, while Asia showed the highest nucleotide diversity. The haplotype network revealed 83 unique haplotypes and only 13 shared haplotypes, including a globally distributed lineage (Hap_9), suggesting both local diversification and long-distance dispersal. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two weakly supported clades, with most haplotypes forming a single mixed cluster, indicating limited phylogeographic structure. However, population genetic analyses showed significant differentiation among continents (FST = 0.18789, P < 0.001), with most variation occurring within populations (81.21%). Moderate gene flow (Nm = 1.08), together with a weak but significant isolation-by-distance pattern, further indicates partial connectivity among populations. Overall, the results highlight a complex global genetic landscape shaped by historical dispersal, human-mediated movement, and regional evolutionary processes. These findings provide valuable insights for improving vector surveillance and control strategies worldwide.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -