Detection of a dangerous West African mosquito capable of causing malaria

Scientists from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) and partners from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (UK) have discovered for the first time a dangerous West African mosquito capable of causing malaria.

This is considered a particularly important discovery because this mosquito species with the scientific name Anopheles Coluzzii contains a highly virulent virus, can live in extremely arid conditions and thrive in even rural environments. both urban.

This mosquito may have contributed to the spread of malaria in Turkana. (Illustration photo. AFP/TTXVN)

The Anopheles Coluzzii mosquito was confirmed to be present in the Turkana region (Northwestern Kenya ) - where the Asian mosquito Anopheles Stephensi was discovered 3 years ago.

According to scientists, this mosquito may have contributed to the spread of malaria in Turkana and current disease control measures appear to be ineffective against this mosquito.

Genome sequencing results of mosquitoes collected in 5 malaria epidemiological areas in Kenya since 2006 showed that Anopheles Coluzzii was present in Turkana during all sampling periods.

Notably, the researchers also discovered a high frequency of mutations associated with resistance to pesticides , especially DDT and pyrethroids in vector populations in Kenya.

According to scientists, the above variants confer stronger pyrethroid resistance that could reduce the effectiveness of insecticide nets - which are considered one of the most effective defenses against resistant vector populations. medicine.

Mosquito samples from Turkana were taken at Kakuma refugee camp - a densely populated area with low levels of local transmission but a recent resurgence of the disease. This region has had little interest in combating malaria because the climate is considered unsuitable for known vector species, with the exception of the Anopheles Arabiensis vector - a mosquito species with low efficiency in transmitting the disease. Therefore, researchers believe that West African mosquitoes are the culprit behind recent malaria outbreaks in Turkana.

Researchers say the discovery of two mosquito species, Anopheles Coluzzii and Anopheles Stephensi, in Turkana and other areas in Northern Kenya highlights the need to reassess their distribution, bioeconomics and epidemiological significance. study of vector populations in Kenya.

In Kenya, about 70% of the population is at risk of malaria and the disease accounts for about 13-15% of outpatient visits. According to many reports, malaria claims the lives of about 10,000 Kenyans every year.