Utility of a set of conserved mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene primers for Mansonia annulata identification.

DNA-based identification system using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene has enabled validation of many species in certain taxonomic groups. These primer combinations were able to work universally across Insecta. Here, a set of three primer pairs were successful in amplifying COI of Mansonia annulata mosquito, a potential vector of Brugia malayi. By merging all three amplicons the whole COI was obtained. Primer pair TY-J-1460/C1N2087 amplified 5' region of COI, LepF1/LepR1 the central and C1J2090/TL2N3014 the 3' region, generating COI amplicons of 650, 700 and 950 base pairs, respectively. When Ma. annulata sequences were compared with those from online sources, they formed a cluster group that is clearly distinct from other allied species.