An analysis of 408 female Aedes albopictus specimens collected across Greece revealed that every individual belonged to a single mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) haplotype. Genotyping using eight microsatellite markers demonstrated a relatively low level of genetic differentiation among the sampled mosquitoes, with observed variation stemming primarily from intra-population rather than inter-population differences. Furthermore, screening for the endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia pipiens showed a 100 percent fixed presence of double infections involving supergroups A and B across the tested Greek populations.
The researchers reported that these genetic and symbiotic patterns align with an invasion scenario originating from one or very few genetically related sources. The recent range expansion of Ae. albopictus within Greece has been accompanied by the fixation of double Wolbachia infections. According to the study, this symbiotic fixation may account for both the reduced genetic diversity recorded among the populations and a possible selective sweep of additional mitochondrial haplotypes.
The investigated specimens were gathered between 2016 and 2022 from various parts of Greece to trace the recent stages of the mosquito’s domestic range expansion. Ae. albopictus, commonly known as the Asian Tiger Mosquito, is an invasive species of global health concern because it serves as a vector for pathogens including Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. The species was initially detected in Greece in 2005 and has since established widespread populations throughout the country.
The authors concluded that integrating mitochondrial, nuclear, and symbiotic molecular tools provides a comprehensive view of invasion dynamics and establishes a baseline for the genetic structure and Wolbachia prevalence in Greek Ae. albopictus populations. They noted that such integrated molecular data are critical for informing targeted mosquito surveillance and future control interventions.
Subject of Research: Genetic structure and Wolbachia prevalence in Greek Aedes albopictus populations
Article Title: An integrated approach to understand the expansion of Aedes albopictus in Greece using COI barcoding, microsatellite markers, and Wolbachia
Article References: Balatsos, G., Karathanasi, V. C., Kamilari, M., Evangelou, V., Κapadaidaki, D., Tegos, N., Panagopoulou, A., Bisia, M., Karras, V., Avtzis, D. N., Papachristos, D. P., Tsiamis, G., Papadopoulos, N. T., Augustinos, A., Michaelakis, A., & Patsoula, E. (2026). An integrated approach to understand the expansion of Aedes albopictus in Greece using COI barcoding, microsatellite markers, and Wolbachia. Parasites & Vectors. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07766-7
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-026-07766-7
Keywords: Aedes albopictus, Asian tiger mosquito, Wolbachia pipiens, Greece, COI barcoding, microsatellite markers, vector biology, population genetics, integrated, approach, understand, expansion
News Source: Juliet Wilcox. (November 5, 2026). Genetic Analysis of Greek Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Reveals Single Haplotype. Scienmag.
