Emilio Esteban Pac Yurrita | 2025 I.S. Symposium

Name: Emilio Esteban Pac Yurrita
Title: Abundance and Ecotypes of the Culex pipiens Complex in Wooster, Ohio
Major: Biology
Advisors: Ferdinand Nanfack Minkeu; Nick Brandley

Mosquitoes are among the most significant vectors of disease worldwide, with the Culex pipiens complex playing a major role in transmitting arboviruses such as West Nile virus in the United States. Despite its importance, the number of species and ecotypic variations within Culex pipiens populations remain insufficiently characterized in certain regions. This study aimed to evaluate the abundance and ecotypes of Culex species in Wooster, Ohio. Mosquitoes used in this study were collected using gravid traps on four different suburban locations throughout Wooster and later sorted morphologically. DNA was isolated from a small amount of sample specimens, and PCR-RFLP analysis was done using certain specific primers which would help in the differentiating species within the Culex pipiens complex. In addition, nested PCR was used to identify different ecotypes of Culex pipiens. A total of 157 Culex mosquitoes were collected, with 74 used for DNA isolations, and molecular analyses. The Gel electrophoresis confirmed the amplification of 32 samples, even though some results were inconclusive. The initial findings point to the presence of Culex pipiens and potential hybridization with Culex quinquefasciatus showing diversity within the local population of Culex in Wooster. Both ecotypes of Culex pipiens including form pipiens and molestus were found in Wooster. This study provides baseline data on Culex species distribution in Wooster, Ohio, and highlights the need for further research on their impact and potential implications for disease transmission.

Posted in Symposium 2025 on May 1, 2025.