Anopheles Stephensi

Malaria is a major public health problem in many parts of the world, with an estimated 229 million cases and 409,000 deaths in 2019. Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vectors of the malaria parasite, with over 400 species of Anopheles identified worldwide. Anopheles stephensi is a mosquito species that can transmit both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria parasites. It is well adapted to urban areas and has been spreading to new regions, including parts of East Africa. This is concerning as it could increase the risk of malaria transmission in areas where the disease is currently not a major public health problem.

Spread of Anopheles stephensi in East Africa

Anopheles stephensi is native to the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. In recent years, it has been spreading to new regions, including parts of East Africa. In 2012, An. stephensi was reported in Djibouti, and since then, it has been reported in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen. In 2021, Kenya recorded this species, making it the sixth and the latest country in Africa to report the invasion of this vector.

An. stephensi is well adapted to urban areas, and its spread is likely to be facilitated by international trade and travel. The species has been found in areas with high population densities, including ports, airports, and industrial areas. This is concerning as traditional malaria control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, may be less effective in urban areas, making it more difficult to control the spread of An. stephensi.

Challenges in controlling Anopheles stephensi

The spread of An. stephensi in East Africa poses several challenges for malaria control. Firstly, the species is highly adaptable and can breed in a wide range of water sources, including small containers, such as flowerpots and discarded tires. This makes it difficult to identify and eliminate breeding sites. Secondly, An. stephensi is resistant to some of the insecticides used for malaria control. This resistance is likely to increase as the species spreads to new regions. Finally, the species is well adapted to urban areas, which are often poorly planned and lack basic infrastructure, such as proper drainage systems. This creates favorable breeding conditions for the mosquito, making it difficult to control its spread.

Efforts to control Anopheles stephensi

Efforts are underway to monitor the spread of An. stephensi and develop new strategies to reduce the risk of malaria transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified An. stephensi as a species of concern for malaria control and is working with countries to develop surveillance and response strategies. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has set up a task force to monitor the spread of An. stephensi and develop a response plan.

New strategies are also being developed to control An. stephensi. One approach is to use genetic engineering to modify the mosquito’s DNA and reduce its ability to transmit malaria parasites. This approach, known as gene drive, has shown promising results in laboratory studies but is still in the early stages of development.