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Karan M, Paul S, Nath S, Das B, Ghosh S, Karmakar S, Mandal P, Bhowmik B, Singh PK, Dixit R, Pal C. One-Step Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Detection of Major Disease-Transmitting Mosquito Vectors in India. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2025; 112:296-303. [PMID: 39591645 PMCID: PMC11803654 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.24-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are important vectors that transmit viral, protozoan, and helminthic diseases across the world. Climate change and unplanned urbanization are accelerating the spread of these diseases. Controlling vector-borne diseases can be performed most effectively through vector control. Inadequate knowledge of vector bionomics is an impediment and can lead to inappropriate vector control efforts. However, the conventional methods of vector identification are based on morphological differences, demand a significant amount of time and specific skills, and are often misleading. An efficient and affordable solution is needed to quickly and accurately identify pooled samples from vast geographical territories. To ensure the correct identification of distorted or pooled samples in India, a set of definitive steps is required, including the construction of unique primers and the standardization of a one-step assay based on the second internal transcribed spacer gene of the ribosomal DNA. We have successfully developed and confirmed a highly efficient one-step multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay for the accurate identification of major mosquito vectors, especially in the cases of both the adult and larval forms of Anopheles sp., Aedes sp., and Culex sp. Hence, the specificity, universality, and uniqueness of these primers could serve as a critical tool for the rapid one-step and one-reaction identification of mosquitoes to control mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mintu Karan
- Cellular Immunology and Vector Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Barasat, India
| | - Sharmistha Paul
- Cellular Immunology and Vector Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Barasat, India
| | - Supriya Nath
- Cellular Immunology and Vector Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Barasat, India
| | - Bedanta Das
- Cellular Immunology and Vector Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Barasat, India
| | - Sanhita Ghosh
- Cellular Immunology and Vector Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Barasat, India
| | - Suman Karmakar
- Cellular Immunology and Vector Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Barasat, India
| | - Pritam Mandal
- Cellular Immunology and Vector Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Barasat, India
| | - Biplab Bhowmik
- Department of Zoology, Diamond Harbour Women´s University, Diamond Harbour, India
| | | | | | - Chiranjib Pal
- Cellular Immunology and Vector Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Barasat, India
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Zhong D, Degefa T, Zhou G, Lee MC, Wang C, Chen J, Yewhalaw D, Yan G. Esterase-Mediated Pyrethroid Resistance in Populations of an Invasive Malaria Vector Anopheles stephensi from Ethiopia. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1603. [PMID: 39766870 PMCID: PMC11675767 DOI: 10.3390/genes15121603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2024] [Revised: 12/09/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The swift expansion of the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi throughout Africa presents a major challenge to malaria control initiatives. Unlike the native African vectors, An. stephensi thrives in urban settings and has developed resistance to multiple classes of insecticides, including pyrethroids, organophosphates, and carbamates. METHODS Insecticide susceptibility tests were performed on field-collected An. stephensi mosquitoes from Awash Sebac Kilo, Ethiopia, to assess insecticide resistance levels. Illumina RNA-seq analysis was then employed to compare the transcriptomes of field-resistant populations and susceptible laboratory strains (STE2). RESULTS An. stephensi populations exhibited high levels of resistance to both deltamethrin (mortality, 39.4 ± 6.0%) and permethrin (mortality, 59.3 ± 26.3%) in WHO tube bioassays. RNA-seq analysis revealed that both field-resistant and field-unexposed populations exhibited increased expressions of genes associated with pyrethroid resistance, including esterases, P450s, and GSTs, compared to the susceptible STE2 strain. Notably, esterase E4 and venom carboxylesterase-6 were significantly overexpressed, up to 70-fold, compared to the laboratory strain. Functional enrichment analysis revealed a significant overrepresentation of genes associated with catalytic activity under molecular functions and metabolic process under biological process. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified two co-expression modules (green and blue) that included 48 genes strongly linked to pyrethroid insecticide resistance. A co-expression network was subsequently built based on the weight values within these modules. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the role of esterases in the pyrethroid resistance of an An. stephensi population. The identification of candidate genes associated with insecticide resistance will facilitate the development of rapid diagnostic tools to monitor resistance trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daibin Zhong
- Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (G.Z.); (M.-C.L.); (C.W.); (J.C.); (G.Y.)
| | - Teshome Degefa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma MVJ4+R95, Ethiopia; (T.D.); (D.Y.)
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Centre (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma MVJ4+R95, Ethiopia
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (G.Z.); (M.-C.L.); (C.W.); (J.C.); (G.Y.)
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (G.Z.); (M.-C.L.); (C.W.); (J.C.); (G.Y.)
| | - Chloe Wang
- Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (G.Z.); (M.-C.L.); (C.W.); (J.C.); (G.Y.)
| | - Jiale Chen
- Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (G.Z.); (M.-C.L.); (C.W.); (J.C.); (G.Y.)
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma MVJ4+R95, Ethiopia; (T.D.); (D.Y.)
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Centre (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma MVJ4+R95, Ethiopia
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (G.Z.); (M.-C.L.); (C.W.); (J.C.); (G.Y.)
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Massebo F, Ashine T, Negash N, Eligo N, Hailemeskel E, Minda TT, Lindtjørn B, Gadisa E. The expansion of an invasive malaria vector: Anopheles stephensi emergence in Arba Minch town in the southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:333. [PMID: 39331165 PMCID: PMC11436467 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Urban areas in malaria-endemic countries in East Africa are experiencing a significant increase in malaria cases, with the establishment of an "exotic" urban malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, increasing the risk of urban malaria. To this end, the present study aimed to investigate the emergence of this species in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. Following the detection of An. stephensi in other parts of Ethiopia, 76 artificial containers (55 discarded tyres, 18 concrete water storage, and three plastic containers) were sampled in 21 locations in Arba Minch town, for immature Anopheles mosquito stages, using the standard dipping technique. Larvae were reared into adults which were morphologically identified at the species level 2-3 days after emergence. Morphological identification results were confirmed by species-specific polymerase chain reaction. Of the examined containers, 67 (88%) had at least one Anopheles larva. Thirty-two of the adults emerged were morphologically identified as An. stephensi, with 26 (81%) confirmed by molecular analysis. This is the first study to report An. stephensi from Arba Minch, one of South Ethiopia's largest towns, highlighting the need for increased vigilance. The planned and ongoing study in and around Arba Minch will contribute to understanding the bionomics and role of An. stephensi in malaria parasite transmission, helping develop a strategy to address the impending risk of urban malaria in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fekadu Massebo
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
| | - Temesgen Ashine
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nigatu Negash
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nigatu Eligo
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | | | - Thomas T Minda
- Faculty of Meteorology and Hydrology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Bernt Lindtjørn
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
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Rafferty C, Raise G, Scaife J, Abongo B, Omondi S, Milanoi S, Muchoki M, Onyango B, Ochomo E, Zohdy S. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay to Detect Invasive Malaria Vector Anopheles stephensi Mosquitoes. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1770-1778. [PMID: 38985536 PMCID: PMC11346999 DOI: 10.3201/eid3009.240444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Spread of the Anopheles stephensi mosquito, an invasive malaria vector, threatens to put an additional 126 million persons per year in Africa at risk for malaria. To accelerate the early detection and rapid response to this mosquito species, confirming its presence and geographic extent is critical. However, existing molecular species assays require specialized laboratory equipment, interpretation, and sequencing confirmation. We developed and optimized a colorimetric rapid loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for molecular An. stephensi species identification. The assay requires only a heat source and reagents and can be used with or without DNA extraction, resulting in positive color change in 30-35 minutes. We validated the assay against existing PCR techniques and found 100% specificity and analytical sensitivity down to 0.0003 ng of genomic DNA. The assay can successfully amplify single mosquito legs. Initial testing on samples from Marsabit, Kenya, illustrate its potential as an early vector detection and malaria mitigation tool.
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Waymire E, Samake JN, Gunarathna I, Carter TE. A decade of invasive Anopheles stephensi sequence-based identification: toward a global standard. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:477-486. [PMID: 38755024 PMCID: PMC11381088 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Anopheles stephensi is an invasive malaria vector in Africa that has been implicated in malaria outbreaks in the Horn of Africa. In 10 years, it has been detected as far east as Djibouti and as far west as Ghana. Early detections were mostly incidental, but now active surveillance in Africa has been updated to include An. stephensi. Morphological identification of An. stephensi from native vectors can be challenging, thus, sequence-based assays have been used to confirm identification during initial detections. Methods of sequence-based identification of An. stephensi have varied across initial detections to date. Here, we summarize initial detections, make suggestions that could provide a standardized approach, and discuss how sequences can inform additional genomic studies beyond species identification.
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Afrane YA, Abdulai A, Mohammed AR, Akuamoah-Boateng Y, Owusu-Asenso CM, Sraku IK, Yanney SA, Malm K, Lobo NF. Detection of Invasive Anopheles stephensi Mosquitoes through Molecular Surveillance, Ghana. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:605-608. [PMID: 38316032 PMCID: PMC10902527 DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.231638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito has rapidly expanded in range in Africa over the past decade. Consistent with World Health Organization guidelines, routine entomologic surveillance of malaria vectors in Accra, Ghana, now includes morphologic and molecular surveillance of An. stephensi mosquitoes. We report detection of An. stephensi mosquitoes in Ghana.
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Ebhodaghe FI, Sanchez-Vargas I, Isaac C, Foy BD, Hemming-Schroeder E. Sibling species of the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae display divergent preferences for aquatic breeding sites in southern Nigeria. Malar J 2024; 23:60. [PMID: 38413961 PMCID: PMC10900747 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04871-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When integrated with insecticide-treated bed nets, larval control of Anopheles mosquitoes could fast-track reductions in the incidence of human malaria. However, larval control interventions may deliver suboptimal outcomes where the preferred breeding places of mosquito vectors are not well known. This study investigated the breeding habitat choices of Anopheles mosquitoes in southern Nigeria. The objective was to identify priority sites for mosquito larval management in selected urban and periurban locations where malaria remains a public health burden. METHODS: Mosquito larvae were collected in urban and periurban water bodies during the wet-dry season interface in Edo, Delta, and Anambra States. Field-collected larvae were identified based on PCR gel-electrophoresis and amplicon sequencing, while the associations between Anopheles larvae and the properties and locations of water bodies were assessed using a range of statistical methods. RESULTS Mosquito breeding sites were either man-made (72.09%) or natural (27.91%) and mostly drainages (48.84%) and puddles (25.58%). Anopheles larvae occurred in drainages, puddles, stream margins, and a concrete well, and were absent in drums, buckets, car tires, and a water-holding iron pan, all of which contained culicine larvae. Wild-caught Anopheles larvae comprised Anopheles coluzzii (80.51%), Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) (11.54%), and Anopheles arabiensis (7.95%); a species-specific PCR confirmed the absence of the invasive urban malaria vector Anopheles stephensi among field-collected larvae. Anopheles arabiensis, An. coluzzii, and An. gambiae s.s. displayed preferences for turbid, lowland, and partially sunlit water bodies, respectively. Furthermore, An. arabiensis preferred breeding sites located outside 500 m of households, whereas An. gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii had increased detection odds in sites within 500 m of households. Anopheles gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii were also more likely to be present in natural water bodies; meanwhile, 96.77% of An. arabiensis were in man-made water bodies. Intraspecific genetic variations were little in the dominant vector An. coluzzii, while breeding habitat choices of populations made no statistically significant contributions to these variations. CONCLUSION Sibling malaria vectors in the An. gambiae complex display divergent preferences for aquatic breeding habitats in southern Nigeria. The findings are relevant for planning targeted larval control of An. coluzzii whose increasing evolutionary adaptations to urban ecologies are driving the proliferation of the mosquito, and An. arabiensis whose adults typically evade the effects of treated bed nets due to exophilic tendencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith I Ebhodaghe
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Irma Sanchez-Vargas
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Clement Isaac
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Brian D Foy
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hemming-Schroeder
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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Afrane YA, Abdulai A, Mohammed AR, Akuamoah-Boateng Y, Owusu-Asenso CM, Sraku IK, Yanney SA, Malm K, Lobo NF. First detection of Anopheles stephensi in Ghana using molecular surveillance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.01.569589. [PMID: 38076990 PMCID: PMC10705536 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.01.569589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito has been rapidly expanding in range in Africa over the last decade, spreading from the Indian sub-continent to several East African countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and Kenya) and now in West Africa, Nigeria. The rapid expansion of this invasive vector poses a major threat to current malaria control and elimination efforts. In line with the WHO's strategy to stop the spread of this invasive species by enhancing surveillance and control measures in Africa, we incorporated morphological and molecular surveillance of An. stephensi into routine entomological surveillance of malaria vectors in the city of Accra, Ghana. Here, we report on the first detection of An. stephensi in Ghana. An. stephensi mosquitoes were confirmed using PCR and sequencing of the ITS2 regions. These findings highlight the urgent need for increased surveillance and response strategies to mitigate the spread of An. stephensi in Ghana.
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Emiru T, Getachew D, Murphy M, Sedda L, Ejigu LA, Bulto MG, Byrne I, Demisse M, Abdo M, Chali W, Elliott A, Vickers EN, Aranda-Díaz A, Alemayehu L, Behaksera SW, Jebessa G, Dinka H, Tsegaye T, Teka H, Chibsa S, Mumba P, Girma S, Hwang J, Yoshimizu M, Sutcliffe A, Taffese HS, Bayissa GA, Zohdy S, Tongren JE, Drakeley C, Greenhouse B, Bousema T, Tadesse FG. Evidence for a role of Anopheles stephensi in the spread of drug- and diagnosis-resistant malaria in Africa. Nat Med 2023; 29:3203-3211. [PMID: 37884028 PMCID: PMC10719088 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02641-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Anopheles stephensi, an Asian malaria vector, continues to expand across Africa. The vector is now firmly established in urban settings in the Horn of Africa. Its presence in areas where malaria resurged suggested a possible role in causing malaria outbreaks. Here, using a prospective case-control design, we investigated the role of An. stephensi in transmission following a malaria outbreak in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia in April-July 2022. Screening contacts of patients with malaria and febrile controls revealed spatial clustering of Plasmodium falciparum infections around patients with malaria in strong association with the presence of An. stephensi in the household vicinity. Plasmodium sporozoites were detected in these mosquitoes. This outbreak involved clonal propagation of parasites with molecular signatures of artemisinin and diagnostic resistance. To our knowledge, this study provides the strongest evidence so far for a role of An. stephensi in driving an urban malaria outbreak in Africa, highlighting the major public health threat posed by this fast-spreading mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadele Emiru
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Maxwell Murphy
- EPPIcenter program, Division of HIV, ID and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Luigi Sedda
- Lancaster Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | | | - Isabel Byrne
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Melat Abdo
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wakweya Chali
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Aaron Elliott
- EPPIcenter program, Division of HIV, ID and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Neubauer Vickers
- EPPIcenter program, Division of HIV, ID and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrés Aranda-Díaz
- EPPIcenter program, Division of HIV, ID and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lina Alemayehu
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Gutema Jebessa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hunduma Dinka
- Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Tizita Tsegaye
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Teka
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, USAID, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sheleme Chibsa
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, USAID, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Peter Mumba
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, USAID, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Girma
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, USAID, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jimee Hwang
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Malaria Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Alice Sutcliffe
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Entomology Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah Zohdy
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Entomology Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jon Eric Tongren
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Malaria Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chris Drakeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Bryan Greenhouse
- EPPIcenter program, Division of HIV, ID and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Fitsum G Tadesse
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Ochomo EO, Milanoi S, Abong'o B, Onyango B, Muchoki M, Omoke D, Olanga E, Njoroge L, Juma EO, Otieno JD, Matoke-Muhia D, Kamau L, Rafferty C, Gimnig JE, Shieshia M, Wacira D, Mwangangi J, Maia M, Chege C, Omar A, Rono MK, Abel L, O'Meara WP, Obala A, Mbogo C, Kariuki L. Detection of Anopheles stephensi Mosquitoes by Molecular Surveillance, Kenya. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2498-2508. [PMID: 37966106 PMCID: PMC10683825 DOI: 10.3201/eid2912.230637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Anopheles stephensi mosquito is an invasive malaria vector recently reported in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, and Ghana. The World Health Organization has called on countries in Africa to increase surveillance efforts to detect and report this vector and institute appropriate and effective control mechanisms. In Kenya, the Division of National Malaria Program conducted entomological surveillance in counties at risk for An. stephensi mosquito invasion. In addition, the Kenya Medical Research Institute conducted molecular surveillance of all sampled Anopheles mosquitoes from other studies to identify An. stephensi mosquitoes. We report the detection and confirmation of An. stephensi mosquitoes in Marsabit and Turkana Counties by using endpoint PCR and morphological and sequence identification. We demonstrate the urgent need for intensified entomological surveillance in all areas at risk for An. stephensi mosquito invasion, to clarify its occurrence and distribution and develop tailored approaches to prevent further spread.
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Carney RM, Long A, Low RD, Zohdy S, Palmer JRB, Elias P, Bartumeus F, Njoroge L, Muniafu M, Uelmen JA, Rahola N, Chellappan S. Citizen Science as an Approach for Responding to the Threat of Anopheles stephensi in Africa. CITIZEN SCIENCE : THEORY AND PRACTICE 2023; 8:10.5334/cstp.616. [PMID: 38616822 PMCID: PMC11010391 DOI: 10.5334/cstp.616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Even as novel technologies emerge and medicines advance, pathogen-transmitting mosquitoes pose a deadly and accelerating public health threat. Detecting and mitigating the spread of Anopheles stephensi in Africa is now critical to the fight against malaria, as this invasive mosquito poses urgent and unprecedented risks to the continent. Unlike typical African vectors of malaria, An. stephensi breeds in both natural and artificial water reservoirs, and flourishes in urban environments. With An. stephensi beginning to take hold in heavily populated settings, citizen science surveillance supported by novel artificial intelligence (AI) technologies may offer impactful opportunities to guide public health decisions and community-based interventions. Coalitions like the Global Mosquito Alert Consortium (GMAC) and our freely available digital products can be incorporated into enhanced surveillance of An. stephensi and other vector-borne public health threats. By connecting local citizen science networks with global databases that are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR), we are leveraging a powerful suite of tools and infrastructure for the early detection of, and rapid response to, (re)emerging vectors and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Carney
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida (USF), Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Alex Long
- Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, D.C. 20007, USA
| | - Russanne D Low
- Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
| | - Sarah Zohdy
- US President's Malaria Initiative, Entomology Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - John R B Palmer
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08005, Spain
| | - Peter Elias
- Department of Geography, University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Frederic Bartumeus
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes 17300, Spain; Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals (CREAF), Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Laban Njoroge
- Section of Invertebrates Zoology, National Museums of Kenya, Museum Hill Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maina Muniafu
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, United States International University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Johnny A Uelmen
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida (USF), Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Nil Rahola
- MIVEGEC Unit, Montpellier University, IRD, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Sriram Chellappan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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