Article
Evolutionary Biology
Gregory C. Lanzaro, Melina Campos, Marc Crepeau, Anthony Cornel, Abram Estrada, Hans Gripkey, Ziad Haddad, Ana Kormos, Steven Palomares
Summary: Novel malaria control strategies involving genetically engineered mosquitoes (GEMs) aim to modify mosquito populations to be refractory to the malaria parasite through gene engineering. The selection of trial sites should prioritize maximizing success chances, minimizing risks, and serving as valid and convincing test locations, based on geographic, geological, and biological criteria. Physical islands are proposed as ideal GEM field trial sites due to their geographic and genetic isolation, biological complexity, and other key factors.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Letter
Immunology
Ayman Ahmed, Patricia Pignatelli, Arwa Elaagip, Muzamil M. Abdel Hamid, Omnia Fateh Alrahman, David Weetman
Summary: Research has identified the emergence of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes in eastern Sudan, suggesting potential distinct invasions from neighboring countries.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Pilate N. Kwi, Elvis E. Ewane, Marcel N. Moyeh, Livinus N. Tangi, Vincent N. Ntui, Francis Zeukeng, Denis D. Sofeu-Feugaing, Eric A. Achidi, Fidelis Cho-Ngwa, Alfred Amambua-Ngwa, Jude D. Bigoga, Tobias O. Apinjoh
Summary: The vectorial diversity, dynamics, and infectivity of mosquitoes in the slopes of Mount Cameroon vary across different seasons and altitudes, which has implications for malaria transmission and control.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Vincent Pommier de Santi, Bouh Abdi Khaireh, Thomas Chiniard, Bruno Pradines, Nicolas Taudon, Sebastien Larreche, Abdoulraouf Bourhan Mohamed, Franck de Laval, Franck Berger, Florian Gala, Madjid Mokrane, Nicolas Benoit, Lionel Malan, Abdoulilah Ahmed Abdi, Sebastien Briolant
Summary: Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes in Djibouti are potentially causing a rise in malaria incidence by sharing breeding sites with Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Additionally, there is documented resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine in this country.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Priscille Barreaux, Hilary Ranson, Geraldine M. M. Foster, Philip J. J. McCall
Summary: The blood feeding behavior of female mosquitoes, which affects their ability to transmit malaria, is not well understood in the presence of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). This study examines how both insecticide resistant and susceptible mosquitoes interact with different types of nets while attempting to blood feed on a human arm. The results showed that ITNs did not effectively prevent host searching but significantly reduced blood feeding success and volume for all mosquitoes, although the resistant mosquitoes were able to compensate for the decrease by accelerating their rate of blood ingestion.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Samantha M. O'Loughlin, Annie J. Forster, Silke Fuchs, Tania Dottorini, Tony Nolan, Andrea Crisanti, Austin Burt
Summary: The study identified a large number of conserved DNA sequences in Anopheles genomes with potential value for selecting and testing new targets for gene-drive modification in mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Astrid Hoermann, Tibebu Habtewold, Prashanth Selvaraj, Giuseppe Del Corsano, Paolo Capriotti, Maria Grazia Inghilterra, Temesgen M. Kebede, George K. Christophides, Nikolai Windbichler
Summary: Gene drives offer a promising approach for controlling malaria vectors by impeding parasite development in transgenic mosquitoes. By modifying a midgut gene in Anopheles gambiae, researchers were able to secrete antimicrobial peptides and delay oocyst development, reducing the release of infectious sporozoites. Modeling the spread of this modification revealed its potential to break the cycle of disease transmission.
Article
Remote Sensing
Fahimeh Youssefi, Mohammad Javad Valadan Zoej, Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd, Alireza Borahani Dariane, Mehdi Khaki, Alireza Safdarinezhad
Summary: This study identifies high-risk depressions with the potential for Anopheles larval habitats by fusing remote sensing data with land-use and soil type maps, and creates a high-risk map of malaria based on these habitats.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lateef. O. Busari, Haleemah O. Raheem, Zarat O. Iwalewa, Kamilu A. Fasasi, Monsuru A. Adeleke
Summary: The study evaluates the resistance and susceptibility of adult female Anopheles gambiae s. l., Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to four groups of insecticides and the distribution of their larval habitat within Osogbo metropolis. The results indicate that Anopheles gambiae s. l. shows the highest resistance to Permethrin, while Aedes aegypti exhibits highest resistance against OC-Control. The susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae s. l. and Culex quinquefasciatus to Pirimiphos-methyl and Aedes aegypti to Permethrin suggests the potential success of using these insecticides for vector control.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Franck Adama Yao, Abdoul-Azize Millogo, Patric Stephane Epopa, Ace North, Florian Noulin, Koulmaga Dao, Mouhamed Drabo, Charles Guissou, Souleymane Kekele, Moussa Namountougou, Robert Kossivi Ouedraogo, Lea Pare, Nourou Barry, Roger Sanou, Haida Wandaogo, Roch K. Dabire, Andrew McKemey, Frederic Tripet, Abdoulaye Diabate
Summary: The release of genetically-modified sterile mosquitoes shows potential for malaria control, but its effectiveness has not been tested in the field. This study demonstrates that genetically-modified mosquitoes have reduced survival and dispersal compared to wild-types. These findings provide crucial information for the development of more effective strains of malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Colin J. Carlson, Ellen Bannon, Emily Mendenhall, Timothy Newfield, Shweta Bansal
Summary: Facing climate change, tropical species are being displaced to higher latitudes and elevations. This study tracks the observed range limits of African malaria mosquito vectors and finds that their ranges have been shifting towards higher elevations and polewards. These shifts are consistent with recent climate change and may contribute to the spread of malaria into new areas.
Article
Parasitology
Lorenz M. Hofer, Prisca A. Kweyamba, Rajabu M. Sayi, Mohamed S. Chabo, Sonali L. Maitra, Sarah J. Moore, Mgeni M. Tambwe
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), light microscopy (LM) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in detecting asymptomatic malaria infections that can transmit to mosquitoes. The results showed that mRDT detected the highest infection rate, while subpatent mRDT infections contributed marginally to the pool of oocyts-infected mosquitoes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xuechun Feng, Victor Lopez Del Amo, Enzo Mameli, Megan Lee, Alena L. Bishop, Norbert Perrimon, Valentino M. Gantz
Summary: Culex mosquitoes serve as a global vector for insect-borne diseases, but progress with genetic tools lags behind other mosquito species. This study introduces a Cas9-based toolkit and methods that could potentially support future gene drive development in these mosquitoes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Hartley, Robert D. J. Smith, Adam Kokotovich, Chris Opesen, Tibebu Habtewold, Katie Ledingham, Ben Raymond, Charles B. Rwabukwali
Summary: The study found that Ugandan stakeholders have hopes and concerns regarding gene drive mosquitoes for malaria control, which fall into three themes: the ability of gene drive mosquitoes to prevent malaria infection, the impacts of gene drive testing and deployment, and governance. Local stakeholders are willing and able to contribute relevant knowledge to the development of risk frameworks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manuela Carnaghi, Steven R. Belmain, Richard J. Hopkins, Frances M. Hawkes
Summary: Research shows that visual, olfactory, and thermal sensory stimuli synergistically increase the landing response of Anopheles coluzzii females during host-seeking. Even in the absence of thermal or visual stimuli, as long as one is presented simultaneously with olfactory stimuli, the landing response can still be enhanced.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Samantha M. O'Loughlin, Annie J. Forster, Silke Fuchs, Tania Dottorini, Tony Nolan, Andrea Crisanti, Austin Burt
Summary: The study identified a large number of conserved DNA sequences in Anopheles genomes with potential value for selecting and testing new targets for gene-drive modification in mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alex Makunin, Petra Korlevic, Naomi Park, Scott Goodwin, Robert M. Waterhouse, Katharina von Wyschetzki, Christopher G. Jacob, Robert Davies, Dominic Kwiatkowski, Brandyce St Laurent, Diego Ayala, Mara K. N. Lawniczak
Summary: The study developed a multilocus amplicon sequencing approach that can simultaneously identify mosquito species and detect the presence of malaria parasites. The method was shown to be effective in determining species identity and resolving population structure, and is characterized by its quick, inexpensive, high-throughput, and accurate nature.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Melina Campos, Mark Hanemaaijer, Hans Gripkey, Travis C. Collier, Yoosook Lee, Anthony J. Cornel, Joao Pinto, Diego Ayala, Herodes Rompao, Gregory C. Lanzaro
Summary: The study conducted whole-genome research on Anopheles coluzzii in west-central Africa and inferred connectivity between mainland and island populations. The findings revealed unique biogeographic histories for each island population and highlighted potential candidate sites for genetic-based malaria control strategies.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlos Vargas-Chavez, Neil Michel Longo Pendy, Sandrine E. Nsango, Laura Aguilera, Diego Ayala, Josefa Gonzalez
Summary: This study investigates the role of transposable elements (TEs) in the rapid urban adaptation of Anopheles coluzzii, a primary vector of human malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers sequenced six An. coluzzii genomes and identified several TE families with potential impact on genome architecture and the regulation of functionally relevant genes. This study provides a basis for future research on the impact of TEs on the biology of An. coluzzii.
Article
Ecology
Siyang Xia, Hany K. M. Dweck, Joel Lutomiah, Rosemary Sang, Carolyn S. McBride, Noah H. Rose, Diego Ayala, Jeffrey R. Powell
Summary: Adaptations to anthropogenic domestic habitats have contributed to the success of the mosquito Aedes aegypti as a major global vector of diseases. The species originally inhabited African forests before moving into domestic habitats, with the transition from natural to artificial larval sites playing a key role in their evolution. African Ae. aegypti are shown to be generalists in their choice of larval sites, accepting various containers with different conditions, which may have facilitated their domestic evolution.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claire Sangbakembi-Ngounou, Carlo Costantini, Neil Michel Longo-Pendy, Carine Ngoagouni, Ousman Akone-Ella, Nil Rahola, Sylvie Cornelie, Pierre Kengne, Emmanuel Rivalyn Nakoune, Narcisse Patrice Komas, Diego Ayala
Summary: A study in Bangui, Central African Republic, found that there is a daily rhythmicity in the biting behavior of Anopheles mosquitoes, with a significant amount of indoor biting occurring during daytime. This rhythmicity could potentially limit the effectiveness of malaria control interventions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Ecology
P. J. Beaghton, Austin Burt
Summary: Synthetic gene drive constructs are developed for controlling disease vectors and pest species, but the impact of spatial processes, such as low-density-induced inbreeding and inbreeding depression, on gene drive effectiveness is critical.
THEORETICAL POPULATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bhavin S. Khatri, Austin Burt
Summary: Evolution of resistance is a major barrier to the successful deployment of gene-drive systems. Multiplexed guide RNAs (gRNAs) that require resistance mutations at all target cut sites are a promising strategy to combat resistance. Research findings suggest that weakly deleterious naturally occurring variants greatly increase the probability of multisite resistance. This study provides design criteria for developing antiresistance multiplexed systems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlo Costantini, Fabrice Chandre, Vincent Corbel, Nicolas Moiroux, Frederic Simard, Claire Sangbakembi-Ngounou, Diego Ayala
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Marilou Bodde, Alex Makunin, Diego Ayala, Lemonde Bouafou, Abdoulaye Diabate, Uwem Friday Ekpo, Mahamadi Kientega, Gilbert Le Goff, Boris K. Makanga, Marc F. Ngangue, Olaitan Olamide Omitola, Nil Rahola, Frederic Tripet, Richard Durbin, Mara K. N. Lawniczak
Summary: The ANOSPP amplicon panel is used for large-scale monitoring of Anopheles species diversity. The NNoVAE method, which combines Nearest Neighbours (NN) and Variational Autoencoders (VAE), can accurately assign species identity by analyzing k-mers. In testing, NNoVAE exhibits high accuracy in classifying samples and identifying unexpected species.
Article
Ecology
Claire Sangbakembi-Ngounou, Carine Ngoagouni, Ousman Akone-Ella, Pierre Kengne, Carlo Costantini, Emmanuel Nakoune, Diego Ayala
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the chromosomal rearrangement 2La and the ecological and temporal dynamics of malaria mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii. The results showed that the frequency of the 2La inversion varied between the two species but was independent of their biting behavior. The study suggests the need for further research to understand the polymorphic equilibrium of this inversion.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Rene Geci, Katie Willis, Austin Burt
Summary: The sterile insect technique (SIT) is not practical for controlling many pest species due to the large number of individuals needed. Previous computer models have shown that releasing males carrying a gene editor on their Y chromosome could be more efficient than SIT. This study proposes a self-propagating double drive design to further improve control efficiency. Modelling results show that this design can effectively suppress populations even with low release rates and low homing rates.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Rita Mwima, Tin-Yu J. Hui, Ann Nanteza, Austin Burt, Jonathan K. Kayondo
Summary: This study assessed the dynamics of malaria vector persistence and examined the hypotheses of aestivation, local refugia, and migration in sub-Saharan Africa. The results were inconclusive due to method limitations, such as low recapture rate in Mark-Release-Recapture method and uncertainty about conventional sampling methods. Further investigations using controlled experiments and genetic approaches are recommended to complement each other. This review unveils uncertainties and provides recommendations for future studies on malaria vector persistence mechanisms.
Article
Parasitology
Audric Berger, Gilbert Le Goff, Philippe Bousses, Nil Rahola, Jean-Baptiste Ferre, Diego Ayala, Vincent Robert
Summary: This study designated a neotype for the mosquito species Ae. coluzzii using molecular identification from pupal exuvia and provided specimens for additional studies on phylogeny and morphology.
Article
Microbiology
Karima Zouache, Edwige Martin, Nil Rahola, Marc F. Gangue, Guillaume Minard, Audrey Dubost, Van Tran Van, Laura Dickson, Diego Ayala, Louis Lambrechts, Claire Valiente Moro
Summary: There is higher similarity in bacterial and fungal community structure between Aedes aegypti larvae and the water in which they develop than between larvae from different breeding sites. The larval habitat is a major factor driving microbial composition in mosquito larvae.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2022)