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Marques J, Seabra SG, Almeida I, Gomes J, Alves AC, Silveira H. Long-term blood-free rearing of Anopheles mosquitoes with no effect on fitness, Plasmodium infectivity nor microbiota composition. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19473. [PMID: 39174598 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70090-6] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases kill millions of people each year. Therefore, many innovative research and population control strategies are being implemented but, most of them require large-scale production of mosquitoes. Mosquito rearing depends on fresh blood from human donors, experimentation animals or slaughterhouses, which constitutes a strong drawback since high blood quantities are needed, raising ethical and financial constraints. To eliminate blood dependency and the use of experimentation animals, we previously developed BLOODless, a patented diet that represents an important advance towards sustainable mosquito breeding in captivity. BLOODless diet was used to maintain a colony of Anopheles stephensi for 40 generations. Bloodmeal appetite, fitness, Plasmodium berghei infectivity, whole genome sequencing and microbiota were evaluated over time. Here we show that BLOODless can be implemented in Anopheles insectaries since it allows long-term rearing of mosquitoes in captivity, without a detectable effect on their fitness, infectivity, nor on their midgut and salivary microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Marques
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, IHMT-NOVA, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Sofia G Seabra
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, IHMT-NOVA, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Almeida
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, IHMT-NOVA, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Gomes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, IHMT-NOVA, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Alves
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, IHMT-NOVA, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Henrique Silveira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, IHMT-NOVA, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Odero JO, Nambunga IH, Masalu JP, Mkandawile G, Bwanary H, Hape EE, Njalambaha RM, Tungu P, Ngowo HS, Kaindoa EW, Mapua SA, Kahamba NF, Nelli L, Wondji C, Koekemoer LL, Weetman D, Ferguson HM, Baldini F, Okumu FO. Genetic markers associated with the widespread insecticide resistance in malaria vector Anopheles funestus populations across Tanzania. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:230. [PMID: 38760849 PMCID: PMC11100202 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06315-4] [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: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anopheles funestus is a leading vector of malaria in most parts of East and Southern Africa, yet its ecology and responses to vector control remain poorly understood compared with other vectors such as Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis. This study presents the first large-scale survey of the genetic and phenotypic expression of insecticide resistance in An. funestus populations in Tanzania. METHODS We performed insecticide susceptibility bioassays on An. funestus mosquitoes in nine regions with moderate-to-high malaria prevalence in Tanzania, followed by genotyping for resistance-associated mutations (CYP6P9a, CYP6P9b, L119F-GSTe2) and structural variants (SV4.3 kb, SV6.5 kb). Generalized linear models were used to assess relationships between genetic markers and phenotypic resistance. An interactive R Shiny tool was created to visualize the data and support evidence-based interventions. RESULTS Pyrethroid resistance was universal but reversible by piperonyl-butoxide (PBO). However, carbamate resistance was observed in only five of the nine districts, and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) resistance was found only in the Kilombero valley, south-eastern Tanzania. Conversely, there was universal susceptibility to the organophosphate pirimiphos-methyl in all sites. Genetic markers of resistance had distinct geographical patterns, with CYP6P9a-R and CYP6P9b-R alleles, and the SV6.5 kb structural variant absent or undetectable in the north-west but prevalent in all other sites, while SV4.3 kb was prevalent in the north-western and western regions but absent elsewhere. Emergent L119F-GSTe2, associated with deltamethrin resistance, was detected in heterozygous form in districts bordering Mozambique, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The resistance landscape was most complex in western Tanzania, in Tanganyika district, where all five genetic markers were detected. There was a notable south-to-north spread of resistance genes, especially CYP6P9a-R, though this appears to be interrupted, possibly by the Rift Valley. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the need to expand resistance monitoring to include An. funestus alongside other vector species, and to screen for both the genetic and phenotypic signatures of resistance. The findings can be visualized online via an interactive user interface and could inform data-driven decision-making for resistance management and vector control. Since this was the first large-scale survey of resistance in Tanzania's An. funestus, we recommend regular updates with greater geographical and temporal coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel O Odero
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Ismail H Nambunga
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - John P Masalu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Gustav Mkandawile
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Hamis Bwanary
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel E Hape
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rukiyah M Njalambaha
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Patrick Tungu
- Amani Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Muheza, Tanzania
| | - Halfan S Ngowo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel W Kaindoa
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Salum A Mapua
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Najat F Kahamba
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Luca Nelli
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Charles Wondji
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Yaoundé 5, Cameroon
| | - Lizette L Koekemoer
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, A Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - David Weetman
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Heather M Ferguson
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Francesco Baldini
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Fredros O Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania.
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Kunambi HJ, Ngowo H, Ali A, Urio N, Ngonzi AJ, Mwalugelo YA, Jumanne M, Mmbaga A, Tarimo FS, Swilla J, Okumu F, Lwetoijera D. Sterilized Anopheles funestus can autodisseminate sufficient pyriproxyfen to the breeding habitat under semi-field settings. Malar J 2023; 22:280. [PMID: 37735680 PMCID: PMC10515043 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04699-9] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anopheles funestus, the main malaria vector, prefer to oviposit in permanent and/or semi-permanent breeding habitats located far from human dwellings. Difficulties in identifying and accessing these habitats jeopardize the feasibility of conventional larviciding. In this way, a semi-field study was conducted to assess the potential of autodissemination of pyriproxyfen (PPF) by An. funestus for its control. METHODS The study was conducted inside a semi-field system (SFS). Therein, two identical separate chambers, the treatment chamber with a PPF-treated clay pot (0.25 g AI), and the control chamber with an untreated clay pot. In both chambers, one artificial breeding habitat made of a plastic basin with one litre of water was provided. Three hundred blood-fed female An. funestus aged 5-9 days were held inside untreated and treated clay pots for 30 min and 48 h before being released for oviposition. The impact of PPF on adult emergence, fecundity, and fertility through autodissemination and sterilization effects were assessed by comparing the treatment with its appropriate control group. RESULTS Mean (95% CI) percentage of adult emergence was 15.5% (14.9-16.1%) and 70.3% (69-71%) in the PPF and control chamber for females exposed for 30 min (p < 0.001); and 19% (12-28%) and 95% (88-98%) in the PPF and control chamber for females exposed for 48 h (p < 0.001) respectively. Eggs laid by exposed mosquitoes and their hatch rate were significantly reduced compared to unexposed mosquitoes (p < 0.001). Approximately, 90% of females exposed for 48 h retained abnormal ovarian follicles and only 42% in females exposed for 30 min. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated sterilization and adult emergence inhibition via autodissemination of PPF by An. funestus. Also, it offers proof that sterilized An. funestus can transfer PPF to prevent adult emergence at breeding habitats. These findings warrant further assessment of the autodissemination of PPF in controlling wild population of An. funestus, and highlights its potential for complementing long-lasting insecticidal nets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamisi J Kunambi
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- School of Life Science and Bio-Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania.
- Tanzania Biotech Products Limited, The National Development Cooperation, P.O. Box 30119, Kibaha, Tanzania.
| | - Halfan Ngowo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Ali Ali
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Naomi Urio
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Amos J Ngonzi
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Yohana A Mwalugelo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya
| | - Mohamed Jumanne
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Augustino Mmbaga
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Life Science and Bio-Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Felista S Tarimo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Life Science and Bio-Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Joseph Swilla
- School of Life Science and Bio-Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Fredros Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Life Science and Bio-Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
- School of Public of Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and, Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Dickson Lwetoijera
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- School of Life Science and Bio-Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania.
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Odero JO, Nambunga IH, Wangrawa DW, Badolo A, Weetman D, Koekemoer LL, Ferguson HM, Okumu FO, Baldini F. Advances in the genetic characterization of the malaria vector, Anopheles funestus, and implications for improved surveillance and control. Malar J 2023; 22:230. [PMID: 37553665 PMCID: PMC10410966 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04662-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel O Odero
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Ismail H Nambunga
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Dimitri W Wangrawa
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Joseph ZEBRO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Athanase Badolo
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Joseph ZEBRO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - David Weetman
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Lizette L Koekemoer
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic Parasitic Diseases, Vector Control Reference Laboratory, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Heather M Ferguson
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Fredros O Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Francesco Baldini
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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Mahenge HH, Muyaga LL, Nkya JD, Kifungo KS, Kahamba NF, Ngowo HS, Kaindoa EW. Common predators and factors influencing their abundance in Anopheles funestus aquatic habitats in rural south-eastern Tanzania. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287655. [PMID: 37363899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of larval predators in regulating the Anopheles funestus population in various malaria-endemic countries remains relatively unknown. This study aimed to investigate the common predators that co-exist with Anopheles funestus group larvae and evaluate factors that influence their abundance in rural south-eastern Tanzania. METHODS Mosquito larvae and predators were sampled concurrently using standard dipper (350 ml) or 10 L bucket in previously identified aquatic habitats in selected villages in southern Tanzania. Predators and mosquito larvae were identified using standard identification keys. All positive habitats were geo-located and their physical features characterized. Water physicochemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and temperature were also recorded. RESULTS A total of 85 previously identified An. funestus aquatic habitats in nine villages were sampled for larvae and potential predators. A total of 8,295 predators were sampled. Of these Coenagrionidae 57.7% (n = 4785), Corixidae 12.8% (n = 1,060), Notonectidae 9.9% (n = 822), Aeshnidae 4.9% (n = 405), Amphibian 4.5% (n = 370), Dytiscidae 3.8% (n = 313) were common. A total of 5,260 mosquito larvae were sampled, whereby Anopheles funestus group were 60.3% (n = 3,170), Culex spp. 24.3% (n = 1,279), An. gambie s.l. 8.3% (n = 438) and other anophelines 7.1% (n = 373). Permanent and aquatic habitats larger than 100m2 were positively associated with An. funestus group larvae (P<0.05) and predator abundance (P<0.05). Habitats with submerged vegetation were negatively associated with An. funestus group larvae (P<0.05). Only dissolved oxygen (DO) was positively and significantly affect the abundance of An. funestus group larvae (P<0.05). While predators' abundance was not impacted by all physicochemical parameters. CONCLUSION Six potential predator families were common in aquatic habitats of An. funestus group larvae. Additional studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of different predators on larval density and adult fitness traits. Interventions leveraging the interaction between mosquitoes and predators can be established to disrupt the transmission potential and survival of the An. funestus mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herieth H Mahenge
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- The Nelson Mandela, African Institution of Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences and Bio Engineering, Tengeru, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Letus L Muyaga
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Joel D Nkya
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Khamis S Kifungo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Najat F Kahamba
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Biodervisty, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Halfan S Ngowo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Biodervisty, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel W Kaindoa
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- The Nelson Mandela, African Institution of Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences and Bio Engineering, Tengeru, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Dam R, Mponzi W, Msaky D, Mwandyala T, Kaindoa EW, Sinka ME, Kiskin I, Herreros-Moya E, Messina J, Shah SGS, Roberts S, Willis KJ. What incentives encourage local communities to collect and upload mosquito sound data by using smartphones? A mixed methods study in Tanzania. Glob Health Res Policy 2023; 8:18. [PMID: 37246227 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-023-00298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To detect and identify mosquitoes using their characteristic high-pitched sound, we have developed a smartphone application, known as the 'HumBug sensor', that records the acoustic signature of this sound, along with the time and location. This data is then sent remotely to a server where algorithms identify the species according to their distinctive acoustic signature. Whilst this system works well, a key question that remains is what mechanisms will lead to effective uptake and use of this mosquito survey tool? We addressed this question by working with local communities in rural Tanzania and providing three alternative incentives: money only, short message service (SMS) reminders and money, and SMS reminders only. We also had a control group with no incentive. METHODS A multi-site, quantitative empirical study was conducted in four villages in Tanzania from April to August 2021. Consenting participants (n = 148) were recruited and placed into one of the three intervention arms: monetary incentives only; SMS reminders with monetary incentives; and SMS reminders only. There was also a control group (no intervention). To test effectiveness of the mechanisms, the number of audio uploads to the server of the four trial groups on their specific dates were compared. Qualitative focus group discussions and feedback surveys were also conducted to explore participants' perspectives on their participation in the study and to capture their experiences of using the HumBug sensor. RESULTS Qualitative data analysis revealed that for many participants (37 out of 81), the main motivation expressed was to learn more about the types of mosquitoes present in their houses. Results from the quantitative empirical study indicate that the participants in the 'control' group switched on their HumBug sensors more over the 14-week period (8 out of 14 weeks) when compared to those belonging to the 'SMS reminders and monetary incentives' trial group. These findings are statistically significant (p < 0.05 or p > 0.95 under a two-sided z-test), revealing that the provision of monetary incentives and sending SMS reminders did not appear to encourage greater number of audio uploads when compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge on the presence of harmful mosquitoes was the strongest motive for local communities to collect and upload mosquito sound data via the HumBug sensor in rural Tanzania. This finding suggests that most efforts should be made to improve flow of real-time information back to the communities on types and risks associated with mosquitoes present in their houses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinita Dam
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK.
| | - Winifrida Mponzi
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Dickson Msaky
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Tumpe Mwandyala
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel W Kaindoa
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- The Nelson Mandela, African Institution of Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | - Ivan Kiskin
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI, Centre for Vision Speech and Signal Processing, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Janey Messina
- School of Geography and the Environment and the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Syed Ghulam Sarwar Shah
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen Roberts
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Ghosh C, Kumar N, Kushwah RBS, M. S, Joshi SG, Ramanjini CK, Alalamath T, Srinivasan S, Subramani S, Kumar S, Swain S. Enrichment of phenotype among biological forms of Anopheles stephensi Liston through establishment of isofemale lines. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:79. [PMID: 36855157 PMCID: PMC9976541 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05696-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector management programs rely on knowledge of the biology and genetic make-up of mosquitoes. Anopheles stephensi is a major invasive urban malaria vector, distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent and Middle East, and has recently been expanding its range in Africa. With the existence of three biological forms, distinctly identifiable based on the number of ridges on eggs and varying vectorial competence, An. stephensi is a perfect species for developing isofemale lines, which can be tested for insecticide susceptibility and vectorial competence of various biological forms. METHODS We describe key steps involved in establishment and validation of isofemale lines. Isofemale colonies were further used for the characterization of insecticide susceptibility and differential vector competence. The results were statistically evaluated through descriptive and inferential statistics using Vassar Stat and Prism GraphPad software packages. RESULTS Through a meticulous selection process, we overcame an initial inbreeding depression and found no significant morphometric differences in wings and egg size between the parental and respective isofemale lines in later generations. IndCh and IndInt strains showed variations in resistance to different insecticides belonging to all four major classes. We observed a significant change in vectorial competence between the respective isofemale and parental lines. CONCLUSIONS Isofemale lines can be a valuable resource for characterizing and enhancing several genotypic and phenotypic traits. This is the first detailed report of the establishment of two isofemale lines of type and intermediate biological forms in Anopheles stephensi. The work encompasses characterization of fitness traits among two lines through a transgenerational study. Furthermore, isofemale colonies were established and used to characterize insecticide susceptibility and vector competence. The study provides valuable insights into differential susceptibility status of the parental and isofemale lines to different insecticides belonging to the same class. Corroborating an earlier hypothesis, we demonstrate the high vector competence of the type form relative to the intermediate form using homozygous lines. Using these lines, it is now possible to study host-parasite interactions and identify factors that might be responsible for altered susceptibility and increased vector competence in An. stephensi biological forms that would also pave the way for developing better vector management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitali Ghosh
- grid.508203.c0000 0004 9410 4854Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Centre at inStem-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065 India
| | - Naveen Kumar
- grid.508203.c0000 0004 9410 4854Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Centre at inStem-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065 India
| | - Raja Babu Singh Kushwah
- grid.508203.c0000 0004 9410 4854Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Centre at inStem-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065 India ,grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Present Address: Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 7845 USA
| | - Soumya M.
- grid.508203.c0000 0004 9410 4854Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Centre at inStem-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065 India
| | - Soumya Gopal Joshi
- grid.508203.c0000 0004 9410 4854Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Centre at inStem-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065 India
| | - Chethan Kumar Ramanjini
- grid.508203.c0000 0004 9410 4854Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Centre at inStem-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065 India
| | - Tejashwini Alalamath
- grid.418831.70000 0004 0500 991XInstitute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Biotech Park, Electronic City, Phase I, Bangalore, 560100 India
| | - Subhashini Srinivasan
- grid.418831.70000 0004 0500 991XInstitute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Biotech Park, Electronic City, Phase I, Bangalore, 560100 India
| | - Suresh Subramani
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Sampath Kumar
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Centre at inStem-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, India.
| | - Sunita Swain
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Centre at inStem-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, India.
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8
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Meza FC, Muyaga LL, Limwagu AJ, Lwetoijera DW. The ability of Anopheles funestus and A. arabiensis to penetrate LLINs and its effect on their mortality. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 7:265. [PMID: 36974127 PMCID: PMC10039320 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18242.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Variation in mosquito body size and the ability to penetrate long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) remains unknown. This study evaluated the ability of Anopheles funestus and A. arabiensis to penetrate commercially available treated and untreated bednets and how this behaviour affects mosquito mortality. Methods: Three types of LLINs; DawaPlus 2.0, PermaNet 2.0, Olyset 2.0, and untreated (Safi Net) were tested inside a semi-field system. One hundred 3–5-day-old female A. funestus and A. arabiensis were released in a chamber with a sleeping adult volunteer under a treated or untreated bednet. Mosquitoes that penetrated inside the nets were collected every two hours using a mouth aspirator. Live mosquitoes were put in paper cups, fed on glucose ad libitum and their mortality rate was monitored for 48 h. Results: The ability of A. funestus to penetrate treated and untreated bednets was significantly higher than for A. arabiensis for all three LLIN net types (P<0.001). For both species the penetration rate was higher for untreated bednets than treated ones except for the Olyset net. Regardless of the assessed mosquito species, all the mosquitoes that penetrated the net, successfully blood-fed on the sleeping volunteer. Compared to A. arabiensis, significant mortality was recorded for A. funestus that were caught inside Olyset nets within 48 hrs of monitoring (P<0.001). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the ability of A. funestus and A. arabiensis mosquitoes to penetrate the human-occupied treated and untreated bednets. Despite this ability, mosquitoes that penetrated the bednet succumbed to death within two days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felician Clement Meza
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
| | - Letus L Muyaga
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
| | - Alex Julius Limwagu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
| | - Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
- Life Science and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela Africa Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
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9
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Gene drive in species complexes: defining target organisms. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:154-164. [PMID: 35868886 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Engineered gene drives, which bias their own inheritance to increase in frequency in target populations, are being developed to control mosquito malaria vectors. Such mosquitoes can belong to complexes of both vector and nonvector species that can produce fertile interspecific hybrids, making vertical gene drive transfer (VGDT) to sibling species biologically plausible. While VGDT to other vectors could positively impact human health protection goals, VGDT to nonvectors might challenge biodiversity ones. Therefore, environmental risk assessment of gene drive use in species complexes invites more nuanced considerations of target organisms and nontarget organisms than for transgenes not intended to increase in frequency in target populations. Incorporating the concept of target species complexes offers more flexibility when assessing potential impacts from VGDT.
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10
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Optimisation of laboratory-rearing parameters for Anopheles funestus larvae and adults. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106785. [PMID: 36460094 PMCID: PMC9874306 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Anopheles funestus is one of the major malaria vectors in Africa. As with the other main vectors, insecticide resistance in this species threatens existing vector control strategies. Unfortunately, scientific investigations, which could improve understanding of this vector species or lead to the development of new control strategies, are currently limited by difficulties in laboratory rearing of the species. In an attempt to optimise laboratory-rearing conditions for An. funestus, the effect of an artificial blood-feeding system for adults, different larval diet doses, and a range of other rearing conditions on the life history traits of an existing colony were investigated. Firstly, fecundity and fertility in An. funestus adult females fed on either live guinea pigs or bovine blood supplied through an artificial membrane feeding system were assessed. Secondly, a life-table approach was used to assess the impact of larval food dose (mg/larvae), larval density (larvae/cm2), and the depth of water used for larval rearing on life history traits. Fecundity was significantly higher when females were blood-fed on live anaesthetised guinea pigs than when fed on defibrinated bovine blood. However, the fertility of these eggs did not differ significantly between the two feeding methods or blood meal sources. Mosquitoes fed on defibrinated bovine blood using the artificial membrane feeding system showed an increase in egg production when the blood-feeding frequency was increased, but this difference was not statistically significant. The quantity of larval food influenced both time-to-pupation and pupal production. Increasing the larval densities resulted in reduced both time-to-pupation and pupal productivity. An optimal larval density of 0.48 larvae/cm2 was vital in preventing overcrowding. Increased water depth in the larval trays, was associated with significantly lower pupal production and reduced pupal weight. In conclusion, these results show that An. funestus can be reared using defibrinated bovine blood delivered via an artificial membrane feeding system. The quantity of larval food, optimal larval density, and depth of water used for larval rearing are critical factors influencing colony productivity. These findings can be used to improve current guidelines for rearing An. funestus under insectary conditions.
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11
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Meza FC, Muyaga LL, Limwagu AJ, Lwetoijera DW. The ability of Anopheles funestus and A. arabiensis to penetrate LLINs and its effect on their mortality. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:265. [PMID: 36974127 PMCID: PMC10039320 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18242.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Variation in mosquito body size and the ability to penetrate long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) remains unknown. This study evaluated the ability of Anopheles funestus and A. arabiensis to penetrate commercially available treated and untreated bednets and how this behaviour affects mosquito mortality. Methods: Three types of LLINs; DawaPlus 2.0, PermaNet 2.0, Olyset 2.0, and untreated (Safi Net) were tested inside a semi-field system. One hundred 3–5-day-old female A. funestus and A. arabiensis were released in a chamber with a sleeping adult volunteer under a treated or untreated bednet. Mosquitoes that penetrated inside the nets were collected every two hours using a mouth aspirator. Live mosquitoes were put in paper cups, fed on glucose ad libitum and their mortality rate was monitored for 48 h. Results: The ability of A. funestus to penetrate treated and untreated bednets was significantly higher than for A. arabiensis for all three LLIN net types (P<0.001). For both species the penetration rate was higher for untreated bednets than treated ones except for the Olyset net. Of all mosquitoes that penetrated the net, regardless of the species, >90% successfully blood-fed on the sleeping volunteer. Compared to A. arabiensis, significant mortality was recorded for A. funestus that were caught inside Olyset nets within 48 hrs of monitoring (P<0.001). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the ability of A. funestus and A. arabiensis mosquitoes to penetrate the human-occupied treated and untreated bednets. Despite this ability, mosquitoes that penetrated the bednet succumbed to death within two days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felician Clement Meza
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
| | - Letus L Muyaga
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
| | - Alex Julius Limwagu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
| | - Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
- Life Science and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela Africa Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
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12
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Mapua SA, Hape EE, Kihonda J, Bwanary H, Kifungo K, Kilalangongono M, Kaindoa EW, Ngowo HS, Okumu FO. Persistently high proportions of plasmodium-infected Anopheles funestus mosquitoes in two villages in the Kilombero valley, South-Eastern Tanzania. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2022; 18:e00264. [PMID: 35959316 PMCID: PMC9357827 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In south-eastern Tanzania where insecticide-treated nets have been widely used for >20 years, malaria transmission has greatly reduced but remains highly heterogenous over small distances. This study investigated the seasonal prevalence of Plasmodium sporozoite infections in the two main malaria vector species, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles arabiensis for 34 months, starting January 2018 to November 2020. Methods Adult mosquitoes were collected using CDC-light traps and Prokopack aspirators inside local houses in Igumbiro and Sululu villages, where earlier surveys had found very high densities of An. funestus. Collected females were sorted by taxa, and the samples examined using ELISA assays for detecting Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein in their salivary glands. Results Of 7859 An. funestus tested, 4.6% (n = 365) were positive for Pf sporozoites in the salivary glands. On the contrary, only 0.4% (n = 9) of the 2382 An. arabiensis tested were positive. The sporozoite prevalence did not vary significantly between the villages or seasons. Similarly, the proportions of parous females of either species were not significantly different between the two villages (p > 0.05) but was slightly higher in An. funestus (0.50) than in An. arabiensis (0.42). Analysis of the 2020 data determined that An. funestus contributed 97.7% of all malaria transmitted in households in these two villages. Conclusions In contexts where individual vector species mediate most of the pathogen transmission, it may be most appropriate to pursue a species-focused approach to better understand the ecology of the dominant vectors and target them with effective interventions to suppress transmission. Despite the ongoing efforts on tackling malaria in the two study villages, there is still persistently high Plasmodium infection prevalence in local populations of An. funestus, which now carry ~97% of all malaria infections and mediates intense year-round transmission. Further reduction in malaria burden in these or other similar settings requires effective targeting of An. funestus.
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13
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Ngowo HS, Okumu FO, Hape EE, Mshani IH, Ferguson HM, Matthiopoulos J. Using Bayesian state-space models to understand the population dynamics of the dominant malaria vector, Anopheles funestus in rural Tanzania. Malar J 2022; 21:161. [PMID: 35658961 PMCID: PMC9166306 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is often assumed that the population dynamics of the malaria vector Anopheles funestus, its role in malaria transmission and the way it responds to interventions are similar to the more elaborately characterized Anopheles gambiae. However, An. funestus has several unique ecological features that could generate distinct transmission dynamics and responsiveness to interventions. The objectives of this work were to develop a model which will: (1) reconstruct the population dynamics, survival, and fecundity of wild An. funestus populations in southern Tanzania, (2) quantify impacts of density dependence on the dynamics, and (3) assess seasonal fluctuations in An. funestus demography. Through quantifying the population dynamics of An. funestus, this model will enable analysis of how their stability and response to interventions may differ from that of An. gambiae sensu lato. Methods A Bayesian State Space Model (SSM) based on mosquito life history was fit to time series data on the abundance of female An. funestus sensu stricto collected over 2 years in southern Tanzania. Prior values of fitness and demography were incorporated from empirical data on larval development, adult survival and fecundity from laboratory-reared first generation progeny of wild caught An. funestus. The model was structured to allow larval and adult fitness traits to vary seasonally in response to environmental covariates (i.e. temperature and rainfall), and for density dependency in larvae. The effects of density dependence and seasonality were measured through counterfactual examination of model fit with or without these covariates. Results The model accurately reconstructed the seasonal population dynamics of An. funestus and generated biologically-plausible values of their survival larval, development and fecundity in the wild. This model suggests that An. funestus survival and fecundity annual pattern was highly variable across the year, but did not show consistent seasonal trends either rainfall or temperature. While the model fit was somewhat improved by inclusion of density dependence, this was a relatively minor effect and suggests that this process is not as important for An. funestus as it is for An. gambiae populations. Conclusion The model's ability to accurately reconstruct the dynamics and demography of An. funestus could potentially be useful in simulating the response of these populations to vector control techniques deployed separately or in combination. The observed and simulated dynamics also suggests that An. funestus could be playing a role in year-round malaria transmission, with any apparent seasonality attributed to other vector species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04189-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halfan S Ngowo
- Department of Environmental Health & Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania. .,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Fredros O Okumu
- Department of Environmental Health & Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Republic of South Africa.,School of Life Science and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science & Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel E Hape
- Department of Environmental Health & Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Issa H Mshani
- Department of Environmental Health & Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Heather M Ferguson
- Department of Environmental Health & Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jason Matthiopoulos
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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14
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Kahamba NF, Finda M, Ngowo HS, Msugupakulya BJ, Baldini F, Koekemoer LL, Ferguson HM, Okumu FO. Using ecological observations to improve malaria control in areas where Anopheles funestus is the dominant vector. Malar J 2022; 21:158. [PMID: 35655190 PMCID: PMC9161514 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The most important malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa are Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles funestus, and Anopheles coluzzii. Of these, An. funestus presently dominates in many settings in east and southern Africa. While research on this vector species has been impeded by difficulties in creating laboratory colonies, available evidence suggests it has certain ecological vulnerabilities that could be strategically exploited to greatly reduce malaria transmission in areas where it dominates. This paper examines the major life-history traits of An. funestus, its aquatic and adult ecologies, and its responsiveness to key interventions. It then outlines a plausible strategy for reducing malaria transmission by the vector and sustaining the gains over the medium to long term. To illustrate the propositions, the article uses data from south-eastern Tanzania where An. funestus mediates over 85% of malaria transmission events and is highly resistant to key public health insecticides, notably pyrethroids. Both male and female An. funestus rest indoors and the females frequently feed on humans indoors, although moderate to high degrees of zoophagy can occur in areas with large livestock populations. There are also a few reports of outdoor-biting by the species, highlighting a broader range of behavioural phenotypes that can be considered when designing new interventions to improve vector control. In comparison to other African malaria vectors, An. funestus distinctively prefers permanent and semi-permanent aquatic habitats, including river streams, ponds, swamps, and spring-fed pools. The species is therefore well-adapted to sustain its populations even during dry months and can support year-round malaria transmission. These ecological features suggest that highly effective control of An. funestus could be achieved primarily through strategic combinations of species-targeted larval source management and high quality insecticide-based methods targeting adult mosquitoes in shelters. If done consistently, such an integrated strategy has the potential to drastically reduce local populations of An. funestus and significantly reduce malaria transmission in areas where this vector species dominates. To sustain the gains, the programmes should be complemented with gradual environmental improvements such as house modification to maintain biting exposure at a bare minimum, as well as continuous engagements of the resident communities and other stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najat F Kahamba
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G128QQ, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Marceline Finda
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Halfan S Ngowo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G128QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Betwel J Msugupakulya
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Francesco Baldini
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G128QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lizette L Koekemoer
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Heather M Ferguson
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G128QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fredros O Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G128QQ, Glasgow, UK.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania.
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15
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Zengenene MP, Munhenga G, Okumu F, Koekemoer LL. Effect of larval density and additional anchoring surface on the life-history traits of a laboratory colonized Anopheles funestus strain. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 36:168-175. [PMID: 35015299 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Optimal rearing conditions, inclusive of larval rearing density, are critical for sustained mosquito productivity. There is limited information on favourable conditions for the larval rearing of Anopheles funestus, the dominant malaria vector in east and southern Africa. This work investigated the effects of larval rearing densities and additional anchoring surface on An. funestus development using a life table approach. Larval cohorts were reared at four different larval densities using the same rearing surface area, larval food concentrations and temperature conditions. Rearing larvae at high densities extended the larval developmental time and reduced adult productivity. Adding an extra larval anchoring surface when rearing larvae at high density resulted in extended larval developmental time, increased larval survivorship and produced bigger adults. These findings improve our understanding of the relationship between larval density and developmental traits in An. funestus and provides baseline information for An. funestus rearing under laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munyaradzi Prince Zengenene
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Givemore Munhenga
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fredros Okumu
- Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Lizette Leonie Koekemoer
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
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16
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Meza FC, Muyaga LL, Limwagu AJ, Lwetoijera DW. The ability of Anopheles funestus and A. arabiensis to penetrate LLINs and its effect on their mortality. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:265. [PMID: 36974127 PMCID: PMC10039320.3 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18242.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Variation in mosquito body size and the ability to penetrate long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) remains unknown. This study evaluated the ability of Anopheles funestus and A. arabiensis to penetrate commercially available treated and untreated bednets and how this behaviour affects mosquito mortality. Methods: Three types of LLINs; DawaPlus 2.0, PermaNet 2.0, Olyset 2.0, and untreated (Safi Net) were tested inside a semi-field system. One hundred 3-5-day-old female A. funestus and A. arabiensis were released in a chamber with a sleeping adult volunteer under a treated or untreated bednet. Mosquitoes that penetrated inside the nets were collected every two hours using a mouth aspirator. Live mosquitoes were put in paper cups, fed on glucose ad libitum and their mortality rate was monitored for 48 h. Results: The ability of A. funestus to penetrate treated and untreated bednets was significantly higher than for A. arabiensis for all three LLIN net types ( P<0.001). For both species the penetration rate was higher for untreated bednets than treated ones except for the Olyset net. Regardless of the assessed mosquito species, all the mosquitoes that penetrated the net, successfully blood-fed on the sleeping volunteer. Compared to A. arabiensis, significant mortality was recorded for A. funestus that were caught inside Olyset nets within 48 hrs of monitoring ( P<0.001). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the ability of A. funestus and A. arabiensis mosquitoes to penetrate the human-occupied treated and untreated bednets. Despite this ability, mosquitoes that penetrated the bednet succumbed to death within two days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felician Clement Meza
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
| | - Letus L Muyaga
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
| | - Alex Julius Limwagu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
| | - Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, DAR ES SALAAM, N/A, 14112, Tanzania
- Life Science and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela Africa Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
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17
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Nambunga IH, Msugupakulya BJ, Hape EE, Mshani IH, Kahamba NF, Mkandawile G, Mabula DM, Njalambaha RM, Kaindoa EW, Muyaga LL, Hermy MRG, Tripet F, Ferguson HM, Ngowo HS, Okumu FO. Wild populations of malaria vectors can mate both inside and outside human dwellings. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:514. [PMID: 34620227 PMCID: PMC8499572 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04989-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wild populations of Anopheles mosquitoes are generally thought to mate outdoors in swarms, although once colonized, they also mate readily inside laboratory cages. This study investigated whether the malaria vectors Anopheles funestus and Anopheles arabiensis can also naturally mate inside human dwellings. METHOD Mosquitoes were sampled from three volunteer-occupied experimental huts in a rural Tanzanian village at 6:00 p.m. each evening, after which the huts were completely sealed and sampling was repeated at 11:00 p.m and 6 a.m. the next morning to compare the proportions of inseminated females. Similarly timed collections were done inside local unsealed village houses. Lastly, wild-caught larvae and pupae were introduced inside or outside experimental huts constructed inside two semi-field screened chambers. The huts were then sealed and fitted with exit traps, allowing mosquito egress but not entry. Mating was assessed in subsequent days by sampling and dissecting emergent adults caught indoors, outdoors and in exit traps. RESULTS Proportions of inseminated females inside the experimental huts in the village increased from approximately 60% at 6 p.m. to approximately 90% the following morning despite no new mosquitoes entering the huts after 6 p.m. Insemination in the local homes increased from approximately 78% to approximately 93% over the same time points. In the semi-field observations of wild-caught captive mosquitoes, the proportions of inseminated An. funestus were 20.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: ± 2.8) outdoors, 25.2% (95% CI: ± 3.4) indoors and 16.8% (± 8.3) in exit traps, while the proportions of inseminated An. arabiensis were 42.3% (95% CI: ± 5.5) outdoors, 47.4% (95% CI: ± 4.7) indoors and 37.1% (CI: ± 6.8) in exit traps. CONCLUSION Wild populations of An. funestus and An. arabiensis in these study villages can mate both inside and outside human dwellings. Most of the mating clearly happens before the mosquitoes enter houses, but additional mating happens indoors. The ecological significance of such indoor mating remains to be determined. The observed insemination inside the experimental huts fitted with exit traps and in the unsealed village houses suggests that the indoor mating happens voluntarily even under unrestricted egress. These findings may inspire improved vector control, such as by targeting males indoors, and potentially inform alternative methods for colonizing strongly eurygamic Anopheles species (e.g. An. funestus) inside laboratories or semi-field chambers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail H. Nambunga
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Betwel J. Msugupakulya
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Sciences & Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel E. Hape
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Issa H. Mshani
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Najat F. Kahamba
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Sciences & Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Gustav Mkandawile
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Daniel M. Mabula
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Rukiyah M. Njalambaha
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel W. Kaindoa
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Sciences & Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Park Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Letus L. Muyaga
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Marie R. G. Hermy
- Disease Vector Group, Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Frederic Tripet
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
| | - Heather M. Ferguson
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Halfan S. Ngowo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fredros O. Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Sciences & Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Park Town, Republic of South Africa
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Quinn C, Anthousi A, Wondji C, Nolan T. CRISPR-mediated knock-in of transgenes into the malaria vector Anopheles funestus. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:6303614. [PMID: 34849822 PMCID: PMC8496255 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The ability to introduce mutations, or transgenes, of choice to precise genomic locations has revolutionized our ability to understand how genes and organisms work. In many mosquito species that are vectors of various human diseases, the advent of CRISPR genome editing tools has shed light on basic aspects of their biology that are relevant to their efficiency as disease vectors. This allows a better understanding of how current control tools work and opens up the possibility of novel genetic control approaches, such as gene drives, that deliberately introduce genetic traits into populations. Yet for the Anopheles funestus mosquito, a significant vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa and indeed the dominant vector species in many countries, transgenesis has yet to be achieved. We describe herein an optimized transformation system based on the germline delivery of CRISPR components that allows efficient cleavage of a previously validated genomic site and preferential repair of these cut sites via homology-directed repair (HDR), which allows the introduction of exogenous template sequence, rather than end-joining repair. The rates of transformation achieved are sufficiently high that it should be able to introduce alleles of choice to a target locus, and recover these, without the need to include additional dominant marker genes. Moreover, the high rates of HDR observed suggest that gene drives, which employ an HDR-type mechanism to ensure their proliferation in the genome, may be well suited to work in A. funestus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amalia Anthousi
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion 700 13, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 700 13, Greece
| | - Charles Wondji
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Yaoundé 5, Cameroon
| | - Tony Nolan
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Corresponding author:
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