- British scientists, in collaboration with African mosquito biologists, have discovered new genetic clues into how the Anopheles funestus mosquito, a significant malaria carrier, is evolving to survive.
- The study involved sequencing the genomes of 656 modern and 45 historic An. funestus specimens, revealing high levels of genetic variation and complex population structures across Africa.
- Researchers found that while many populations in equatorial Africa are genetically interconnected, some are isolated and distinct, which presents challenges for localised control efforts.
- Analysis of historic samples showed that a key mutation linked to insecticide resistance was present in mosquitoes from the 1960s, with other resistance mutations developing later.
- The findings suggest that gene drive technology, previously developed for another malaria-transmitting mosquito, could be adapted for An. funestus, offering a new approach to malaria elimination.
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