Abstract

Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) was used to recognize the presence of P. (Paraphlebotomus) chabaudi Croset, Abonnenc and Rioux, 1970 haplotypes of Tunisianspecimens; these were verified subsequently by sequencing the polymerase chain reaction products. The designed primers amplified a 545 pb fragment including the 3’ end of mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b). The sensitivity of SSCP was demonstrated by (1) the detection of single nucleotide differences in SSCP variants, and (2) no sequence variation in specimens with the same SSCP mobility. The application of SSCP technique provided a valuable addition to available population genetic tools: It increased the efficiency of detection of variability in the cyt b gene and decreased the time required for screening large numbers of specimens to detect nucleotide variation.

Key words: Phlebotominae, Central east Tunisia, Paraphlebotomus chabaudi, identification,haplotypes SSCP.