In what is turning out to be a worrisome for scientists is the discovery that mosquito populations across Africa are genetically adopting to insecticides. In groundbreaking research by scientists at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) working with international partners led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the scientists have discovered that the Anopheles Funestus mosquito known to transmit the malaria parasite is becoming resistant to insecticides known to control the malaria vector.
KEMRI scientists, in collaboration with counterparts across 16 African countries, contributed to the collection and sequencing of hundreds of Anopheles funestus specimens from different regions of the continent.
Sequencing hundreds of Anopheles funestus mosquitoes provides new insights into the evolutionary patterns of this important human malaria-transmitting species, “one of Africa’s most prolific but often neglected malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, is evolving in response to malaria control efforts,” says a statement by KEMRI and adds,
“By analysing both modern samples between 2014 and 2018 and historic collections dating back to 1927, the team has provided unprecedented insights into the species’ genetic variation, population structure, and resistance to control methods such as insecticides,”.
A lead scientist of the Kenyan arm of the study Dr. Eric Ochomo noted that understanding the genetic make-up of the Anopheles funestus mosquito, “is critical to optimizing the deployment of malaria control strategies.”
The study revealed that Anopheles funestus populations in equatorial Africa are highly interconnected genetically, stretching across vast regions, while others, such as in Ghana and Benin, remain distinct.
“Such patterns have major implications for how malaria interventions are designed and deployed,” said Dr. Ochomo and added, “for example, this difference in the genetic makeup enables us to understand why an intervention may be effective in one part of the continent but ineffective in another despite each of them having Anopheles funestus.”
The research found that insecticide resistance mutations already present in the 1960s have intensified over time, underscoring the species’ extraordinary adaptability to new mosquito control tools, said Dr. Ochomo.
The study will aid in the coming up with cutting-edge biological tools targeting both the Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus, both of which are transmitting the deadly parasite that has been a developmental challenge on the African continent.
“This is a prime example of how international collaboration anchored in strong African science can yield discoveries with the power to save lives,” said KEMRI Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok and added, “KEMRI remains committed to advancing research and partnerships that deliver practical solutions for malaria elimination in Kenya, Africa, and beyond”.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Africa, with the World Health Organization reporting over 569,000 malaria-related deaths in the African region in 2023 alone.
“With Anopheles funestus transmitting malaria more efficiently than most other mosquito species due to its long lifespan and preference for human blood, with the new knowledge set to inform more effective strategies for malaria elimination,” he offers.