- British scientists have discovered new genetic clues explaining how the malaria-carrying mosquito, Anopheles funestus, is evolving to evade control efforts.
- The research involved sequencing the genomes of hundreds of modern and historic An. funestus specimens collected across Africa.
- The study revealed high levels of genetic variation and a complex population structure, with some populations widely interconnected and others genetically distinct, posing challenges for local control.
- Analysis of historic samples showed the rapid evolution of An. funestus, with some insecticide resistance mutations present since the 1960s and others emerging more recently.
- These findings are expected to inform future malaria elimination strategies, including the adaptation of gene drive technologies for this significant vector species.
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