Higher genetic variation estimated by microsatellites compared to isoenzyme markers in Aedes aegypti from Rio de Janeiro

Aedes aegypti populations from five districts in Rio de Janeiro were analyzed using five microsatellites and six isoenzyme markers, to assess the amount of variation and patterns of gene flow at local levels. Microsatellite loci were polymorphic enough to detect genetic differentiation of populations collected at small geographic scales (e.g. within a city). Ae. aegypti populations were highly differentiated as well in the city center as in the outskirt. Thus, dengue virus propagation by mosquitoes could be as efficient in the urban area as in the outskirt of Rio de Janeiro, the main entry point of dengue in Brazil. Key words: Aedes aegypti- microsatellites- isoenzymes- genetic differentiation Dengue is the most important mosquito-borne dis-ease in Brazil where it is essentially transmitted by Aedes aegypti. Rio de Janeiro is considered to be the main introduction location for dengue viruses which have caused most epidemics in Brazil with increasing inci-dence of severe cases (Nogueira et al. 2002, Teixeira et al. 2002). The urban mosquito Ae. aegypti is a major dengue vector in Brazil. It is present in high density a