Research Spotlight: Sophia Mwinyi on Cryptic Mosquito Taxa and Emerging Threats to Malaria Control
A previously unidentified type of mosquito has been discovered along the coastal regions of Tanzania and Kenya, raising new concerns for malaria surveillance and vector control. The mosquito, provisionally named the Pwani molecular form, belongs to the Anopheles gambiae complex—a group that includes some of the world’s most important malaria vectors.
The discovery, published on 16 April 2025 in Molecular Ecology, resulted from a collaborative study involving the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Glasgow, and the Ifakara Health Institute. Using advanced genetic sequencing, researchers demonstrated that this mosquito is genetically distinct from known members of the Anopheles gambiae complex.
Genomic analysis revealed that the Pwani molecular form is geographically restricted to coastal areas of Tanzania and Kenya and exhibits a unique insecticide resistance profile, notably lacking common genetic markers typically used to monitor resistance. This suggests the mosquito may either be more susceptible to insecticides or has developed resistance through alternative mechanisms not yet understood.
Although its role in malaria transmission has not been confirmed, its presence in malaria-endemic areas and strong genetic divergence indicate it may play a role in sustaining transmission, particularly during dry seasons when other vectors are less active. These findings suggest that current malaria control strategies may not fully target this newly identified mosquito, highlighting the need for enhanced genomic surveillance.
Source & Reference:
Wellcome Sanger Institute (Edited)
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