Advances in the genetic characterization of the malaria vector, Anopheles funestus, and implications for improved surveillance and control

Odero, J. O., Nambunga, I. H., Wangrawa, D. W., Badolo, A., Weetman, D., Koekemoer, L. L., Ferguson, H. M. , Okumu, F. O. and Baldini, F. (2023) Advances in the genetic characterization of the malaria vector, Anopheles funestus, and implications for improved surveillance and control. Malaria Journal, 22(1), 230. (doi: 10.1186/s12936-023-04662-8) (PMID:37553665) (PMCID:PMC10410966)

Abstract

Anopheles mosquitoes present a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa; notably, as vectors of malaria that kill over half a million people annually. In parts of the east and southern Africa region, one species in the Funestus group, Anopheles funestus, has established itself as an exceptionally dominant vector in some areas, it is responsible for more than 90% of all malaria transmission events. However, compared to other malaria vectors, the species is far less studied, partly due to difficulties in laboratory colonization and the unresolved aspects of its taxonomy and systematics. Control of An. funestus is also increasingly difficult because it has developed widespread resistance to public health insecticides. Fortunately, recent advances in molecular techniques are enabling greater insights into species identity, gene flow patterns, population structure, and the spread of resistance in mosquitoes. These advances and their potential applications are reviewed with a focus on four research themes relevant to the biology and control of An. funestus in Africa, namely: (i) the taxonomic characterization of different vector species within the Funestus group and their role in malaria transmission; (ii) insecticide resistance profile; (iii) population genetic diversity and gene flow, and (iv) applications of genetic technologies for surveillance and control. The research gaps and opportunities identified in this review will provide a basis for improving the surveillance and control of An. funestus and malaria transmission in Africa.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding support was received from Howard Hughes Medical Institute-Gates Foundation International Research Scholar Award (grant no. OPP 1099295) to FO. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (grant no. INV-002138) to FO, FB, HMF. Academy Medical Science Springboard Award (ref: SBF007\100094) to FB. DST/NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative Grant (UID 64763) to LLK.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Okumu, Professor Fredros and Baldini, Dr Francesco and Ferguson, Professor Heather and Odero, Joel Ouma
• Authors: Odero, J. O., Nambunga, I. H., Wangrawa, D. W., Badolo, A., Weetman, D., Koekemoer, L. L., Ferguson, H. M., Okumu, F. O., and Baldini, F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Malaria Journal
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• ISSN: 1475-2875
• ISSN (Online): 1475-2875
• Published Online: 08 August 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Malaria Journal 22(1):230
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License