utility of complete mitochondrial genomes in phylogenetic classification of the species of anopheles (culicidae: anophelinae)

Background: among the blood-sucking insects, anopheles mosquitoes have a very special position, because they transmit parasites of the genus plasmodium, which cause malaria as one of the main vector-borne disease worldwide. the aim of this review study was to evaluate utility of complete mitochondrial genomes in phylogenetic classification of the species of anopheles. methods: the complete mitochondrial genome sequences belonging to 28 species of the genus anopheles (n=32) were downloaded from ncbi. the phylogenetic trees were constructed using the ml, nj, me, and bayesian inference methods. results: in general, the results of the present survey revealed that the complete mitochondrial genomes act very accurately in recognition of the taxonomic and phylogenetic status of these species and provide a higher level of support than those based on individual or partial mitochondrial genes so that by using them, we can meticulously reconstruct and modify anopheles classification. conclusion: understanding the taxonomic position of anopheles, can be a very effective step in better planning for controlling these malaria vectors in the world and will improve our knowledge of their evolutionary biology.