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Abstract Malaria transmission in Burkina Faso is continuous throughout the year. Anthropogenic changes in the environment affect the risk of disease transmission and the ability of communities to respond. This study aimed to evaluate the resilience of two communities in different malaria transmission settings in Western Burkina Faso by examining their ability to absorb, adapt, and transform regarding malaria burden. Conducted in Western Burkina Faso, this study focused on two localities, Bana and VK5, representing two distinct malaria transmission settings: a natural savannah and a rice-growing environment. A mixed-methods approach was employed in this study. Quantitative data were collected through a census of compounds in the two localities: 75 compounds in VK5 and 104 in Bana, using the KoboToolbox platform. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 13 individuals from both localities. Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative data were processed manually. The results showed that both communities demonstrate resilience through preventive measures and socio-economic strategies. Universal bed net coverage was higher in VK5 (74.33%) than in Bana (61.39%), significantly reducing malaria cases (χ2 = 6.60, p = 0.0102). Communities adopted diverse economic adaptations, with 71.29% of compound chiefs in Bana and 78.38% in VK5 improving financial conditions through trade, farming, and vegetable cultivation. While Bana relied heavily on financial aid (76.47%) during illness, VK5 exhibited stronger community organization for environmental sanitation and broader social support networks. The strategies used to address malaria-related absences, the scope of solidarity networks available to assist affected families, and the nature of collective assistance provided, demonstrate that VK5 shows greater flexibility and resilience than Bana. Overall, the findings emphasize communities’ commitment to improve their health and socioeconomic conditions. This commitment could be a key element in a potential community health insurance scheme.

Abstract Background Restricting the placement of active ingredients (AIs) to specific panels on insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) has the potential to reduce the amount of AI required to treat a net. If the restricted placement of the AIs can exploit mosquito behaviour, particularly where they interact with the bed net interface, and not impact the net’s effectiveness, then the reduction in AI could result in cost reductions. Methods Nine individual experimental hut trials were conducted to compare the efficacy of three different partially-treated net relative to fully treated nets; roof-only treated nets, side-only treated nets, and nets with treated roof and pyrethroid-only side panels. These trials were conducted on a range of net products with different AIs, across a range of geographies in Africa (East and West), vector species (Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles coluzzii, Anopheles arabiensis, and Anopheles funestus), hut designs (East and West African style) and hosts (cows and humans). The combined data from these trials were analysed in a meta-analysis, and odds ratios for the effect of the different net designs on mortality and blood-feeding were estimated using mixed effects logistic regression. Results The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated that fully treated nets provide greater mosquito killing and reduction in blood-feeding effects than any configuration of insecticide treatment restricted to specific panels. Conclusions This meta-analysis showed that partially-treated net that restrict the insecticide treatment to specific panels of an ITN do not give equivalency or superiority in either mortality or blood-feeding inhibition to fully treated nets. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Abstract Entomopathogenic fungi engineered to express insect-specific neurotoxins have demonstrated potential as microbial control agents against malaria mosquitoes. Currently, the primary application method is via direct contact of spores with indoor resting mosquitoes. However, many malaria-transmitting mosquitoes feed and rest outdoors. To target these, we have developed an alternative application method that exploits the lethality of transgenic fungi as a sexually transmitted mosquito disease. This approach has both a wider interdisciplinary significance and important implications for preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

Abstract Background The recent success of a population control gene drive targeting the doublesex gene in Anopheles gambiae paved the way for developing self-sustaining and self-limiting genetic control strategies targeting the sex determination pathway to reduce and/or distort the reproductive capacity of insect vectors. However, targeting these genes for genetic control requires a better understanding of their genetic variation in natural populations to ensure effective gene drive spread. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from the Ag1000G project (Ag3.0, 3.4 and 3.8), and Illumina pooled amplicon sequencing, we investigated the genetic polymorphism of the intron-4–exon-5 boundary of the doublesex gene in the natural populations of An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.). Results The analyses showed a very low variant density at the gRNA target sequence of the Ag(QFS)1 gene drive (previously called dsxF CRISPRh ) within the populations of West and East Africa. However, populations from the forest area in Central Africa exhibited four SNP at frequencies ranging from 0.011 to 0.26. The SNP (2R:48714641[C > T]) at high frequencies, i.e. 0.26 is identified within the An. coluzzii population from Angola. The analyses also identified 90 low frequency (1 − 5%) SNPs in the genomic region around the gRNA target sequence (intron-4–exon-5 boundary). Three of these SNPs (2R:48714472 A > T; 2R:48714486 C > A; 2R:48714516 C > T) were observed at frequencies higher than 5% in the UTR region of the doublesex gene. The results also showed a very low variant density and constant nucleotide diversity over a five-year survey in natural An. gambiae s.l. populations of Burkina Faso. Conclusion These findings will guide the implementation of doublesex-targeted gene drives to support the current control tools in malaria elimination efforts. Our methods can be applied to efficiently monitor the evolution of any sequence of interest in a natural population via pooled amplicon sequencing, surpassing the need for WGS.

Abstract Background The WHO Global Malaria Programme advocates for a comprehensive, strategic approach to managing insecticide resistance, highlighting the importance of using multiple insecticides with different modes of action through rotations and combinations. To slow the spread of resistance, it is essential to develop and evaluate new formulations that feature unique modes of action and extended residual effects. Addressing this need, Mitsui Chemicals Crop & Life Solutions, Inc., developed VECTRON™ T500, a new indoor residual spraying (IRS) formulation using broflanilide, applied at a dosage of 100 mg AI/m2. This formulation was tested in a Phase III community trial, alongside Actellic® 300CS, a commonly used IRS product containing pirimiphos-methyl, applied at the recommended dosage of 1000 mg AI/m2. Methods Monthly WHO wall cone bioassays were performed to assess the efficacy of the interventions using three mosquito strains: the laboratory-bred, insecticide-susceptible Anopheles gambiae s.s. Kisumu strain, the insecticide-resistant Anopheles coluzzii VKPer strain, and wild Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes from the Vallée du Kou, where the study was conducted. Vector surveillance was carried out to compare the results between sites treated with VECTRON™ T500, Actellic® 300CS, and an untreated control site. In addition, any reported adverse effects were closely monitored to evaluate the community’s acceptance of VECTRON™ T500. Results VECTRON™ T500 consistently achieved 100% mortality across all wall types for both susceptible and resistant mosquito strains over the 12-month period. In comparison, Actellic® 300CS induced < 80% mortality for both strains, irrespective of the wall substrate. When assessing delayed mortality in An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes collected from sites treated with Actellic® 300CS (VK1) and VECTRON™ T500 (VK3), a statistically significant difference was noted after a 72-h holding period compared to the control site (RR = 0.51, CI95% = [0.31–0.6], P = 0.0026). Additionally, no adverse events were reported in households sprayed with VECTRON™ T500. Conclusions The residual efficacy of VECTRON™ T500 extended for 12 months post-spraying, effectively covering the full malaria transmission season while maintaining high mortality rates in pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors. VECTRON™ T500 demonstrated non-inferiority in performance compared to Actellic® 300CS, the standard reference product. This new IRS formulation has the potential to play a crucial role in managing insecticide resistance by being integrated into a rotational strategy alongside other IRS products containing insecticides with different modes of action. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Intensive deployment of insecticide based malaria vector control tools resulted in the rapid evolution of phenotypes resistant to these chemicals. Understanding this process at the genomic level is important for the deployment of successful vector control interventions. Therefore, longitudinal sampling followed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) is necessary to understand how these evolutionary processes evolve over time. This study investigated the change in genetic structure and the evolution of the insecticide resistance variants in natural populations of Anopheles gambiae over time and space from 2012 to 2017 in Burkina Faso. Methods New genomic data have been generated from An. gambiae mosquitoes collected from three villages in the western part of Burkina Faso between 2012 and 2017. The samples were whole-genome sequenced and the data used in the An. gambiae 1000 genomes (Ag1000G) project as part of the Vector Observatory. Genomic data were analysed using the analysis pipeline previously designed by the Ag1000G project. Results The results showed similar and consistent nucleotide diversity and negative Tajima’s D between An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and Anopheles coluzzii. Principal component analysis (PCA) and the fixation index (F ST ) showed a clear genetic structure in the An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) species. Genome-wide F ST and H12 scans identified genomic regions under divergent selection that may have implications in the adaptation to ecological changes. Novel voltage-gated sodium channel pyrethroid resistance target-site alleles (V402L, I1527T) were identified at increasing frequencies alongside the established alleles (Vgsc-L995F, Vgsc-L995S and N1570Y) within the An. gambiae s.l. populations. Organophosphate metabolic resistance markers were also identified, at increasing frequencies, within the An. gambiae s.s. populations from 2012 to 2017, including the SNP Ace1-G280S and its associated duplication. Variants simultaneously identified in the same vector populations raise concerns about the long-term efficacy of new generation bed nets and the recently organophosphate pirimiphos-methyl indoor residual spraying in Burkina Faso. Conclusion These findings highlighted the benefit of genomic surveillance of malaria vectors for the detection of new insecticide resistance variants, the monitoring of the existing resistance variants, and also to get insights into the evolutionary processes driving insecticide resistance.

Summary: Malaria mosquitoes mate in swarms, but how these swarms are formed and maintained remains poorly understood. We characterized three-dimensional spatiotemporal flight kinematics of Anopheles coluzzii males swarming at sunset above a ground marker. The location, shape, and volume of swarms were highly stereotypic, consistent over the complete swarming duration. Swarms have an elliptical cone shape; mean flight kinematics varies spatially within the swarm, but remain rather consistent throughout swarming duration. Using a sensory system-informed model, we show that swarming mosquitoes use visual perception of both the ground marker and sunset horizon to display the swarming behavior. To control their height, swarming individuals maintain an optical angle of the marker ranging from 24° to 55°. Limiting the viewing angle deviation to 4.5% of the maximum value results in the observed elliptical cone swarm shape. We discuss the implications of these finding on malaria mosquito mating success, speciation and for vector control.

Effective tools to prevent mosquito bites are essential for malaria control. The Lehmann Funnel Entry Trap (LFET), a window screen proven effective in reducing mosquito density, was tested for its large-scale impact on malaria vector control and community acceptance. A total of 1313 traps were deployed in Vallée du Kou 3 (VK3), with 12 traps randomly selected for detailed evaluation against untrapped houses in Vallée du Kou 5 (VK5). Traps were placed in windows with doors blocked by curtains. From July to October, mosquitoes were collected for nine days per month from VK3 traps and VK5 control houses. Morphological identification, density analysis, resistance gene screening, and female age structure determination were conducted. The trap’s impact was assessed via pyrethrum spray catch (PSC) and for nine days per month, while trap fabric integrity and community perceptions were also evaluated. Traps reduced mosquito entry density by more than 90% in VK3 houses. VK3 had 33% higher house mosquito density pre-intervention and 47% lower house mosquito density post-intervention than VK5. Old female mosquito numbers rose in VK5 but not VK3. Pyrethroid resistance was high (kdr mutation frequency > 0.9) in both control and intervention sites. VK3 residents appreciated the traps for reducing bites and improving sleep. The LFET effectively controls malaria vectors and is well-suited for widespread use in malaria elimination efforts.

Abstract Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes, two major malaria vectors in sub‐Saharan Africa, exhibit selectivity among plant species as potential food sources. However, it remains unclear if their preference aligns with optimal nutrient intake and survival. Following an extensive screening of the effects of 31 plant species on An. coluzzii in Burkina Faso, we selected three species for their contrasting effects on mosquito survival, namely Ixora coccinea, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, and Combretum indicum. We assessed the sugar content of these plants and their impact on mosquito fructose positivity, survival, and insemination rate, using Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae, with glucose 5% and water as controls. Plants displayed varying sugar content and differentially affected the survival, sugar intake, and insemination rate of mosquitoes. All three plants were more attractive to mosquitoes than controls, with An. gambiae being more responsive than An. coluzzii. Notably, C. indicum was the most attractive but had the lowest sugar content and offered the lowest survival, insemination rate, and fructose positivity. Our findings unveil a performance–preference mismatch in An. coluzzii and An. gambiae regarding plant food sources. Several possible reasons for this negative correlation between performance and preference are discussed.

Anopheles gambiae and its sibling species Anopheles coluzzii are the most efficient vectors of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. When females of these species feed on an infected human host, oogenesis and parasite development proceed concurrently, but interactions between these processes are not fully understood. Using multiple natural P. falciparum isolates from Burkina Faso, we show that in both vectors, impairing steroid hormone signaling to disrupt oogenesis leads to accelerated oocyst growth and in a manner that appears to depend on both parasite and mosquito genotype. Consistently, we find that egg numbers are negatively linked to oocyst size, a metric for the rate of oocyst development. Oocyst growth rates are also strongly accelerated in females that are in a pre-gravid state, i.e. that fail to develop eggs after an initial blood meal. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of mosquito-parasite interactions that influence P. falciparum development in malaria-endemic regions.

Abstract Background Vector control tools are urgently needed to control malaria transmission in Africa. A native strain of Chromobacterium sp. from Burkina Faso was recently isolated and preliminarily named Chromobacterium anophelis sp. nov. IRSSSOUMB001. In bioassays, this bacterium showed a promising virulence against adult mosquitoes and reduces their blood feeding propensity and fecundity. The current study assessed the entomopathogenic effects of C. anophelis IRSSSOUMB001 on larval stages of mosquitoes, as well as its impacts on infected mosquitoes reproductive capacity and trans-generational effects. Methods Virulence on larvae and interference with insemination were assayed by co-incubation with C. anophelis IRSSSOUMB001 at a range of 104 to 108 cfu/ml. Trans-generational effects were determined by measuring body size differences of progeny from infected vs. uninfected parent mosquitoes using wing size as a proxy. Results Chromobacterium anophelis IRSSSOUMB001 killed larvae of the pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles coluzzii with LT80 of ~ 1.75 ± 0.14 days at 108 cfu/ml in larval breeding trays. Reproductive success was reduced as a measure of insemination rate from 95 ± 1.99% to 21 ± 3.76% for the infected females. There was a difference in wing sizes between control and infected mosquito offsprings from 2.55 ± 0.17 mm to 2.1 ± 0.21 mm in infected females, and from 2.43 ± 0.13 mm to 1.99 ± 0.15 mm in infected males. Conclusions This study showed that C. anophelis IRSSSOUMB001 was highly virulent against larvae of insecticide-resistant Anopheles coluzzii, and reduced both mosquito reproduction capacity and offspring fitness. Additional laboratory, field, safety and social acceptance studies are needed to draw firm conclusions about the practical utility of this bacterial strain for malaria vector control.

Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel is a highly invasive horticultural pest that is of major economic importance worldwide. In Burkina Faso, it is one of the main insect pests that affects the production and exportation of mangos. Understanding the biology and the genetic dynamics of this insect pest provides crucial information for the development of effective control measures. The aim of this study was to understand the distribution, diversity, and genetic structure of B. dorsalis in Burkina Faso. Male flies were collected transversally in Burkina Faso and analyzed by PCR using 10 microsatellite markers. The results showed an abundance of B. dorsalis varying from 87 to 2986 flies per trap per day at the different sampling sites. The genetic diversity was high at all sites, with an average Shannon’s Information Index (I) of 0.72 per site. The gene flow was high between study populations and ranged from 10.62 to 27.53 migrants. Bayesian admixture analysis showed no evidence of structure, while Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components identified three weakly separated clusters in the population of B. dorsalis in Burkina Faso. The results of this study could be used to optimize the effectiveness of current control interventions and to guide the implementation of new, innovative, and sustainable strategies.

Abstract Success in reducing malaria transmission through vector control is threatened by insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. Although the proximal molecular mechanisms and genetic determinants involved are well documented, little is known about the influence of the environment on mosquito resistance to insecticides. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of plant sugar feeding on the response of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato to insecticides. Adults were fed with one of four treatments, namely a 5% glucose control solution, nectariferous flowers of Barleria lupulina, of Cascabela thevetia and a combination of both B. lupulina + C. thevetia. WHO tube tests were performed with 0.05% and 0.5% deltamethrin, and knockdown rate (KD) and the 24 h mosquito mortality were measured. Plant diet significantly influenced mosquito KD rate at both concentrations of deltamethrin. Following exposure to 0.05% deltamethrin, the B. lupulina diet induced a 2.5 fold-increase in mosquito mortality compared to 5% glucose. Species molecular identification confirmed the predominance of An. gambiae (60% of the samples) over An. coluzzii and An. arabiensis in our study area. The kdr mutation L1014F displayed an allelic frequency of 0.75 and was positively associated with increased phenotypic resistance to deltamethrin. Plant diet, particularly B. lupulina, increased the susceptibility of mosquitoes to insecticides. The finding that B. lupulina-fed control individuals (i.e. not exposed to deltamethrin) also displayed increased 24 h mortality suggests that plant-mediated effects may be driven by a direct effect of plant diet on mosquito survival rather than indirect effects through interference with insecticide-resistance mechanisms. Thus, some plant species may weaken mosquitoes, making them less vigorous and more vulnerable to the insecticide. There is a need for further investigation, using a wider range of plant species and insecticides, in combination with other relevant environmental factors, to better understand the expression and evolution of insecticide resistance.

Abstract Background This study was designed to provide insecticide resistance data for decision-making in terms of resistance management plans in Togo. Methods The susceptibility status of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) to insecticides used in public health was assessed using the WHO tube test protocol. Pyrethroid resistance intensity bioassays were performed following the CDC bottle test protocol. The activity of detoxification enzymes was tested using the synergists piperonyl butoxide, S.S.S-tributlyphosphorotrithioate and ethacrinic acid. Species-specific identification of An. gambiae s.l. and kdr mutation genotyping were performed using PCR techniques. Results Local populations of An. gambiae s.l. showed full susceptibility to pirimiphos methyl at Lomé, Kovié, Anié, and Kpèlè Toutou. At Baguida, mortality was 90%, indicating possible resistance to pirimiphos methyl. Resistance was recorded to DDT, bendiocarb, and propoxur at all sites. A high intensity of pyrethroid resistance was recorded and the detoxification enzymes contributing to resistance were oxidases, esterases, and glutathione-s-transferases based on the synergist tests. Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and Anopheles coluzzii were the main species identified. High kdr L1014F and low kdr L1014S allele frequencies were detected at all localities. Conclusion This study suggests the need to reinforce current insecticide-based malaria control interventions (IRS and LLINs) with complementary tools.

Abstract Malaria remains a major health problem and vector control is an essential approach to decrease its burden, although it is threatened by insecticide resistance. New approaches for vector control are needed. The females of Anopheles gambiae s.l. mate once in their life and in the swarms formed by males. Trapping swarms of Anopheles gambiae s.l. males is a potential new intervention for vector control, alternative to the use of insecticides, as it would disrupt mating . The proof-of-concept pilot study aiming at investigating swarm trapping as a potential vector control intervention, was carried out in 6 villages as in eastern Gambia. Swarms of Anopheles gambiae s.l. were identified and their size, height, and duration determined during the baseline year. Swarm trapping by local volunteers was implemented the following transmission season in 4 villages while the other 2 villages were taken as controls. Entomological outcomes were monitored by Human Landing Catches and Pyrethrum Spray Catches. A cross-sectional survey to determine malaria prevalence was carried out at the peak of the malaria transmission season for two consecutive years. At baseline, 23 swarming sites of Anopheles gambiae s.l. were identified. Before the intervention, mean indoor resting density per house and malaria prevalence were similar between control and intervention villages. Following the intervention, Anopheles gambiae s.l. indoor resting density was 44% lower in intervention than in control villages (adj IRR: 0.0.56; 95% CI 0.47–0.68); the odds of malaria infections were 68% lower in intervention than in control villages (OR: 0.32; 95% CI 0.11–0.97). Swarm trapping seems to be a promising, community-based vector control intervention that could reduce malaria prevalence by reducing vector density. Such results should be further investigated and confirmed by larger cluster-randomized trials.

Abstract Outdoor biting constitutes a major limitation of current vector control based primarily on long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying, both of which are indoor interventions. Consequently, malaria elimination will not be achieved unless additional tools are found to deal with the residual malaria transmission and the associated vector dynamics. In this study we tested a new vector control approach for rapidly crashing mosquito populations and disrupting malaria transmission in Africa. This method targets the previously neglected swarming and outdoor nocturnal behaviors of both male and female Anopheles mosquitoes. It involved accurate identification and targeted spraying of mosquito swarms to suppress adult malaria vector populations and their vectorial capacities. The impact of targeted spraying was compared to broadcast spraying and evaluated simultaneously. The effects of the two interventions were very similar, no significant differences between targeted spraying and broadcast spraying were found for effects on density, insemination or parity rate. However, targeted spraying was found to be significantly more effective than broadcast spraying at reducing the number of bites per person. As expected, each intervention had a highly significant impact upon all parameters measured, but the targeted swarm spraying required less insecticide.

Abstract The sibling species An. coluzzii and An. gambiae s.s. are major malaria vectors thought to be undergoing sympatric speciation with gene flow. In the absence of intrinsic post-zygotic isolation between the two taxa, speciation is thought possible through the association of assortative mating and genomic regions protected from gene flow by recombination suppression. Such genomic islands of speciation have been described in pericentromeric regions of the X, 2L and 3L chromosomes. Spatial swarm segregation plays a major role in assortative mating between sympatric populations of the two species and, given their importance for speciation, genes responsible for such pre-mating reproductive barriers are expected to be protected within divergence islands. In this study 2063 male and 266 female An. coluzzii and An. gambiae s.s. individuals from natural swarms in Burkina Faso, West Africa were sampled. These were genotyped at 16 speciation island SNPs, and characterized as non-hybrid individuals, F1 hybrids or recombinant F1+n backcrossed individuals. Their genotypes at each speciation island were associated with their participation in An. coluzzii and An. gambiae-like swarms. Despite extensive introgression between the two species, the X-island genotype of non-hybrid individuals (37.6%), F1 hybrids (0.1%) and F1+n recombinants (62.3%) of either sex perfectly associated to each swarm type. Associations between swarm type and the 3L and 2L speciation islands were weakened or broken down by introgression. The functional demonstration of a close association between spatial segregation behaviour and the X speciation island lends further support to sympatric speciation models facilitated by pericentric recombination suppression in this important species complex.

Knowing the age of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes is important to understand transmission risk as only old mosquitoes can transmit the disease. Here, the authors develop a method based on mid-infrared spectra of mosquito cuticle that can rapidly identify the species and age class of main malaria vectors.

Release of genetically-modified sterile mosquitoes is a potential method of malaria control but has yet to be tested in the field. Here, the authors perform a mark-release-recapture experiment and show that genetically-modified mosquitoes have reduced survival and dispersal compared to wild-types.

Abstract The mating behaviour of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae complex is an important aspect of its reproduction biology. The success of mosquito release programmes based on genetic control of malaria crucially depends on competitive mating between both laboratory-reared and wild individuals, and populations from different localities. It is known that intrinsic and extrinsic factors can influence the mating success. This study addressed some of the knowledge gaps about factors influcencing mosquito mating success. In semi-field conditions, the study compared the mating success of three laboratory-reared and wild allopatric An. coluzzii populations originating from ecologically different locations in Burkina Faso. Overall, it was found that colonization reduced the mating competitiveness of both males and females compared to that of wild type individuals. More importly, females were more likely to mate with males of their own population of origin, be it wild or colonised, suggesting that local adaptation affected mate choice. The observations of mating behaviour of colonized and local wild populations revealed that subtle differences in behaviour lead to significant levels of population-specific mating. This is the first study to highlight the importance of local adaptation in the mating success, thereby highlighting the importance of using local strains for mass-rearing and release of An. coluzzii in vector control programmes.

Abstract Background Malaria vector control in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is plagued by several major challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to health care systems and preventative measures, and more recently the widespread emergence of insecticide resistance among Anopheles mosquitoes. Across 26 provinces, insecticide resistance has been reported from multiple sentinel sites. However, to date, investigation of molecular resistance mechanisms among Anopheles vector populations in DRC has been more limited. Methods Adult Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) and Anopheles funestus s.l. were collected from two sites in Sud-Kivu province and one site in Haut-Uélé province and PCR-screened for the presence of 11 resistance mutations, to provide additional information on frequency of resistance mechanisms in the eastern DRC, and to critically evaluate the utility of these markers for prospective country-wide resistance monitoring. Results L1014F-kdr and L1014S-kdr were present in 75.9% and 56.7% of An. gambiae s.l. screened, respectively, with some individuals harbouring both resistant alleles. Across the three study sites, L43F-CYP4J5 allele frequency ranged from 0.42 to 0.52, with evidence for ongoing selection. G119S-ace1 was also identified in all sites but at lower levels. A triple mutant haplotype (comprising the point mutation CYP6P4-I236M, the insertion of a partial Zanzibar-like transposable element and duplication of CYP6AA1) was present at high frequencies. In An. funestus s.l. cis-regulatory polymorphisms in CYP6P9a and CYP6P9b were detected, with allele frequencies ranging from 0.82 to 0.98 and 0.65 to 0.83, respectively. Conclusions This study screened the most up-to-date panel of DNA-based resistance markers in An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus s.l. from the eastern DRC, where resistance data is lacking. Several new candidate markers (CYP4J5, G119S-ace1, the triple mutant, CYP6P9a and CYP6P9b) were identified, which are diagnostic of resistance to major insecticide classes, and warrant future, larger-scale monitoring in the DRC to inform vector control decisions by the National Malaria Control Programme.

Abstract Background Pyrethroid resistance poses a major threat to the efficacy of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Burkina Faso and throughout sub-Saharan Africa, particularly where resistance is present at high intensity. For such areas, there are alternative ITNs available, including the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO)-based ITNs and dual active ingredient ITNs such as Interceptor G2 (treated with chlorfenapyr and alpha-cypermethrin). Before deploying alternative ITNs on a large scale it is crucial to characterize the resistance profiles of primary malaria vector species for evidence-based decision making. Methods Larvae from the predominant vector, Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) were collected from 15 sites located throughout Burkina Faso and reared to adults for bioassays to assess insecticide resistance status. Resistance intensity assays were conducted using WHO tube tests to determine the level of resistance to pyrethroids commonly used on ITNs at 1×, 5 × and 10 × times the diagnostic dose. WHO tube tests were also used for PBO synergist bioassays with deltamethrin and permethrin. Bottle bioassays were conducted to determine susceptibility to chlorfenapyr at a dose of 100 µg/bottle. Results WHO tube tests revealed high intensity resistance in An. gambiae s.l. to deltamethrin and alpha-cypermethrin in all sites tested. Resistance intensity to permethrin was either moderate or high in 13 sites. PBO pre-exposure followed by deltamethrin restored full susceptibility in one site and partially restored susceptibility in all but one of the remaining sites (often reaching mortality greater than 80%). PBO pre-exposure followed by permethrin partially restored susceptibility in 12 sites. There was no significant increase in permethrin mortality after PBO pre-exposure in Kampti, Karangasso-Vigué or Mangodara; while in Seguenega, Orodara and Bobo-Dioulasso there was a significant increase in mortality, but rates remained below 50%. Susceptibility to chlorfenapyr was confirmed in 14 sites. Conclusion High pyrethroid resistance intensity in An. gambiae s.l. is widespread across Burkina Faso and may be a predictor of reduced pyrethroid ITN effectiveness. PBO + deltamethrin ITNs would likely provide greater control than pyrethroid nets. However, since susceptibility in bioassays was not restored in most sites following pre-exposure to PBO, Interceptor G2 may be a better long-term solution as susceptibility was recorded to chlorfenapyr in nearly all sites. This study provides evidence supporting the introduction of both Interceptor G2 nets and PBO nets, which were distributed in Burkina Faso in 2019 as part of a mass campaign.

The ANOSPP amplicon panel is a genus-wide targeted sequencing panel to facilitate large-scale monitoring of Anopheles species diversity. Combining information from the 62 nuclear amplicons present in the ANOSPP panel allows for a more senstive and specific species assignment than single gene (e.g. COI) barcoding, which is desirable in the light of permeable species boundaries. Here, we present NNoVAE, a method using Nearest Neighbours (NN) and Variational Autoencoders (VAE), which we apply to k-mers resulting from the ANOSPP amplicon sequences in order to hierarchically assign species identity. The NN step assigns a sample to a species-group by comparing the k-mers arising from each haplotype’s amplicon sequence to a reference database. The VAE step is required to distinguish between closely related species, and also has sufficient resolution to reveal population structure within species. In tests on independent samples with over 80% amplicon coverage, NNoVAE correctly classifies to species level 98% of samples within the An. gambiae complex and 89% of samples outside the complex. We apply NNoVAE to over two thousand new samples from Burkina Faso and Gabon, identifying unexpected species in Gabon. NNoVAE presents an approach that may be of value to other targeted sequencing panels, and is a method that will be used to survey Anopheles species diversity and Plasmodium transmission patterns through space and time on a large scale, with plans to analyse half a million mosquitoes in the next five years.

Abstract Background Insecticides are currently the main tools used to reduce the transmission of malaria; therefore, the development of resistance to insecticides in malaria vectors is of major concern for malaria control. The resistance level to pyrethroids is particularly high in the Western region of Burkina Faso and may affect the efficacy of insecticidal bed nets and indoor residual spraying. Adult mosquito swarming and other nocturnal behaviours exhibit spatial and temporal patterns that suggest potential vulnerability to targeted space spraying with effective insecticides. Indeed, targeted space-spraying against adult mosquito swarms has been used to crash mosquito populations and disrupt malaria transmission. Methods Prior to impact assessment of swarm killing, a baseline data collection was conducted from June to November 2016 in 10 villages divided into two areas in western Burkina Faso. The data considered both ecological and demographic characteristics to monitor the key entomological parameters. Results The mean number of swarms observed was 35 per village, ranging from 25 to 70 swarms according to the village. Female density in both areas varied significantly as a function of the village and the period of collection. The human biting rate was significantly affected by the period of collection and depended upon whether the collection was carried out indoors or outdoors. Averages of parity rate were high in both areas for all periods of collection, ranging from 60 to 90%. These values ranged from 80 to 100% for inseminated females. Sporozoite rates ranged between 1.6 and 7.2% depending upon the village. The molecular identification of resting and swarming mosquitoes showed the presence of the three major malaria vectors in Burkina Faso, but in different proportions for each village. Conclusions The distribution of the potential swarm markers and swarms in villages suggested that swarms are clustered across space, making intervention easier. Power simulations showed that the direct sampling of swarms provides the highest statistical power, thereby reducing the number of villages needed for a trial.

In this study, Adams et al. investigate the effect of cuticular hydrocarbons on mating success in natural mosquito mating swarms. These hydrocarbons confer both higher mating success and increased resistance to pyrethroid, suggesting sexual selection for insecticide resistance in this population secondary to mating success.

Abstract Background There is a global consensus that new intervention tools are needed for the final steps toward malaria elimination/eradication. In a recent study in Burkina Faso, the Lehmann Funnel Entry Trap (LFET) has shown promising results in the reduction of mosquito densities, even in areas where insecticide resistance is as high as 80%. The LFET requires no chemicals and is self-operated. However, one of the issues with the original LFET is the size of the funnel, which often occupies too much space within users’ homes. Here, the performance of three new, smaller-sized LFET prototypes that combine a screening and killing effect on mosquitoes was assessed. Methods The study was carried out over three months during the rainy season in low and high malaria vector density sites, Soumousso and Vallée du Kou, respectively. The original LFET (or ‘Prototype 1’/‘P1’) was modified to produce three new prototypes, which were referred to as prototype 2 (‘the Medium’ or ‘P2’), prototype 3 (P3) and prototype 4 (P4). Each of the new prototypes was tested on eight days per month over the three-month period to assess their effectiveness in trapping and killing mosquitoes entering houses through the windows compared to the original LFET. Results Overall, 78,435 mosquitoes (mainly Anopheles gambiae sensu lato) were collected in the two study sites, both in the traps and in the houses. A total of 56,430 (72%) mosquitoes were collected from the traps. In Vallée du Kou, the original LFET caught a greater number of mosquitoes than the medium (prototype 2), whereas no difference was observed between the other new prototypes (3 and 4) and the medium. In Soumousso, both the original and medium LFETs collected significantly greater numbers of mosquitoes compared to prototypes 3 and 4. Conclusion This study has shown that the new LFET prototypes are effective in trapping mosquitoes in high mosquito density settings. A large-scale study with one of the prototypes will be needed to assess community acceptance of the traps and their ability to control malaria vectors.

Abstract Background This study reports an updated description on malaria vector diversity, behaviour, insecticide resistance and malaria transmission in the Diébougou and Dano peri-urban areas, Burkina Faso. Methods Mosquitoes were caught monthly using CDC light traps and pyrethrum spray catches. Mosquitoes were identified using morphological taxonomic keys. PCR techniques were used to identify the species of the Anopheles gambiae complex and insecticide resistance mechanisms in a subset of Anopheles vectors. The Plasmodium sporozoite infection status and origins of blood meals of female mosquitoes were determined by ELISA methods. Larvae were collected, breed in the insectary and tested for phenotypic resistance against four insecticides using WHO bioassays. Results This study contributed to update the entomological data in two peri-urban areas of Southwest Burkina Faso. Anopheles populations were mostly anthropophilic and endophilic in both areas and exhibit high susceptibility to an organophosphate insecticide. This offers an alternative for the control of these pyrethroid-resistant populations. These data might help the National Malaria Control Programme for decision-making about vector control planning and resistance management. Conclusions This study contributed to update the entomological data in two peri-urban areas of Southwest Burkina Faso. Anopheles populations were mostly anthropophilic and endophilic in both areas and exhibit high susceptibility to an organophosphate insecticide. This offers an alternative for the control of these pyrethroid-resistant populations. These data might help the National Malaria Control Programme for decision-making about vector control planning and resistance management.

Abstract Background This is now a concern that malaria eradication will not be achieved without the introduction of novel control tools. Microbiological control might be able to make a greater contribution to vector control in the future. The interactions between bacteria and mosquito make mosquito microbiota really promising from a disease control perspective. Here, the impact of Chromobacterium violaceum infections, isolated from both larvae and adult of wild-caught Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes in Burkina Faso, was evaluated on mosquito survival, blood feeding and fecundity. Methods To assess entomopathogenic effects of C. violaceum infection on mosquitoes, three different types of bioassays were performed in laboratory. These bioassays aimed to evaluate the impact of C. violaceum infection on mosquito survival, blood feeding and fecundity, respectively. During bioassays mosquitoes were infected through the well-established system of cotton ball soaked with 6% glucose containing C. violaceum. Results Chromobacterium violaceum kills pyrethroid resistant Anopheles coluzzii (LT80 of 8.78 days ± 0.18 at 108 bacteria cell/ml of sugar meal). Interestingly, this bacterium had other negative effects on mosquito lifespan by significantly reducing (~ 59%, P

Abstract Background One of the promising current approaches to curb malaria lies in genetic vector control, the implementation of which will require an improved understanding of the movement of genetic constructs among mosquito populations. To predict potential gene flow from one area to another, it is important to begin to understand mosquito dynamics outside of the commonly-sampled village areas, and thus how genes may move between villages. This study assessed the presence and relative abundance of mosquitoes in a 6-km corridor between two villages in western Burkina Faso. Methods The area surrounding the villages was mapped and the road between them was used as the basis of a transect along which to sample. Five collection points were placed along this transect. To investigate both larval and adult mosquito presence, multiple sampling approaches were used surrounding each point: searching for larval sites in an area of 500 m radius, swarm sampling, human landing catches (HLC), CDC light traps and backpack aspiration catches of potential resting sites. Sampling took place twice: in September and October 2015. Results Adult mosquitoes from six species of Anopheles and three other genera were found along the whole transect. Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) was the most abundant followed by Anopheles nili and Anopheles coustani. Larvae of Anopheles spp. were found in small pools of surface water along the whole transect, though their presence increased with human proximity. HLC and aspiration were the most efficient methods of collecting adult mosquitoes along the whole transect, indicating that there are both host-seeking and resting mosquitoes well away from core village areas. In contrast, swarms of male mosquitoes, thought to be the principle mating locations of Anopheles spp. mosquitoes in West Africa, were only found close to the core village areas. Conclusions This preliminary study indicates that Anopheles spp. mosquitoes are both present and breeding in low human-density areas along transit axes and provides both a relative evaluation of methods for use in these areas and evidence that gene flow between Sahelian population centres is likely. More robust and structured studies are nevertheless needed to come with stronger conclusions.

Abstract Background The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a vector control strategy relying on the mass release of sterile males into wild vector populations. Current sex separation techniques are not fully efficient and could lead to the release of a small proportion of females. It is therefore important to evaluate the effect of irradiation on the ability of released females to transmit pathogens. This study aimed to assess the effect of irradiation on the survival and competence of Anopheles arabiensis females for Plasmodium falciparum in laboratory conditions. Methods Pupae were irradiated at 95 Gy of gamma-rays, and emerging females were challenged with one of 14 natural isolates of P. falciparum. Seven days post-blood meal (dpbm), irradiated and unirradiated-control females were dissected to assess the presence of oocysts, using 8 parasite isolates. On 14 dpbm, sporozoite dissemination in the head/thorax was also examined, using 10 parasites isolates including 4 in common with the 7 dpbm dissection (oocyst data). The survivorship of irradiated and unirradiated-control mosquitoes was monitored. Results Overall, irradiation reduced the proportion of mosquitoes infected with the oocyst stages by 17% but this effect was highly inconsistent among parasite isolates. Secondly, there was no significant effect of irradiation on the number of developing oocysts. Thirdly, there was no significant difference in both the sporozoite infection rate and load between the irradiated and unirradiated-control mosquitoes. Fourthly, irradiation had varying effects on female survival with either a negative effect or no effect. Conclusions The effect of irradiation on mosquito competence strongly varied among parasite isolates. Because of such isolate variability and, the fact that different parasite isolates were used to collect oocyst and sporozoite data, the irradiation-mediated reduction of oocyst prevalence was not confirmed for the sporozoite stages. Our data indicate that irradiated female An. arabiensis could contribute to malaria transmission, and highlight the need for perfect sexing tools, which would prevent the release of females as part of SIT programmes.

Abstract Background It is assumed that malaria vectors feed on locally available nectar sources to obtain energy. Sugar feeding is energetically critical for the Anopheles male swarming and mating activities. However, little is known about the impact of local nectar feeding on male physiological development and its consequences on male mosquito life traits in the malaria control context. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of local fruit juices on the life traits of males Anopheles coluzzii. Methods Swarming characteristics (number of males in swarm, number of mating pairs, and swarm duration) in semi-field conditions; mating rate and longevity in a laboratory setting were compared between males An. coluzzii fed exclusively with mango, papaya or banana juices. The trophic preference was investigated in semi-field conditions. Results The results of this study showed that in the laboratory, mosquitoes fed with papaya juices lived on average longer (10 days) than those fed with banana or mango juices (5 days) and had higher a mating rate (53%) than those fed with banana juice (40%). In the semi-field, the swarm size of mosquitoes fed with banana juice (85 males) was larger than that of mosquitoes fed with mango juice (60 males). The number of mating pairs formed from banana-fed male swarms (17 mating pairs) was higher than that formed from mango-fed male swarm (8 mating pairs). There was no difference in swarming duration between male treatments. Male mosquitoes had a preference for papaya and banana juices. Conclusions The results indicate that the origin of plant-derived feeding is an important factor in the survival and reproduction of mosquitoes. This calls for further investigations of chemical contents of nectars and their impact on the physiological development of mosquitoes.

Abstract Background Mating swarm segregation in closely related insect species may contribute to reproductive isolation. Visual markers are used for swarm formation; however, it is unknown whether they play a key role in swarm location, species segregation and sex aggregation. Methods Using two sympatric closely related species of the Anopheles gambiae complex, An. coluzzii and An. gambiae (s.s.), we investigated in both laboratory and semi-field conditions (i) whether males of the two species use visual markers (black cloths) to locate their swarm; and (ii) whether the presence/absence and size of the marker may differentially affect swarm characteristics. We also investigated whether conspecific virgin females use these markers to join male swarm sites. Results We showed that males of the two species used visual markers but in different ways: An. coluzzii swarm right above the marker whereas An. gambiae (s.s.) locate their swarm at a constant distance of 76.4 ± 0.6 cm from a 20 × 20 cm marker in the laboratory setup and at 206 ± 6 cm from a 60 × 60 cm marker in the semi-field setup. Although increased marker size recruited more mosquitoes and consequently increased the swarm size in the two species, An. coluzzii swarms flew higher and were stretched both vertically and horizontally, while An. gambiae (s.s.) swarms were only stretched horizontally. Virgin females displayed a swarm-like behavior with similar characteristics to their conspecific males. Conclusions Our results provided experimental evidence that both An. coluzzii and An. gambiae (s.s.) males use ground visual markers to form and locate their swarm at species-specific locations. Moreover, the marker size differentially affected swarm characteristics in the two species. Our results also showed that virgin females displayed a swarm-like behavior. However, these “swarms” could be due to the absence of males in our experimental conditions. Nevertheless, the fact that females displayed these “swarms” with the same characteristics as their respective males provided evidence that visual markers are used by the two sexes to join mating spots. Altogether, this suggests that visual markers and the way species and sexes use them could be key cues in species segregation, swarm location and recognition.

Abstract Background The recent resurgence of interest in sterile insect techniques to control vector mosquitoes has renewed interest in novel methods for observing mating behavior. Malarial vectors of the Anopheles gambiae complex are known to mate in swarms at specific locations at dawn and dusk. Most knowledge of mosquito swarming behavior is derived from field observations and a few experimental studies designed to assess critical parameters that affect mosquito swarming. However, such studies are difficult to implement in the field because of uncontrollable environmental factors and mosquito conditions. Here, we present two experimental setups specifically designed to analyze mosquito swarming behavior and provide evidence that swarming behavior of mosquitoes can be generated and accurately assessed under both semi-field and laboratory conditions. Methods The Mosquito Ecology Research Facility setup is a semi-field enclosure made of 12 compartments (10.0 × 6.0 × 4.5 m L × W × H each) exposed to ambient meteorological and lighting conditions. The laboratory setup consists of a windowless room (5.1 × 4.7 × 3.0 m) in which both environmental and mosquito conditions can be controlled. In the two setups, 300 3–6-days-old An. coluzzii virgin males were released and some swarm characteristics were recorded such as the time at which the swarm started, the number of mosquitoes in the swarm and the height. Climatic conditions in the semi-field setup were also recorded. Results In both setups, An. coluzzii males displayed stereotyped and consistent swarming behavior day after day; males gradually gather into a swarm over a ground marker at sunset, flying in loops in relation to specific visual features on the ground. Although semi-field climatic conditions were slightly different from outdoors conditions, they did not impede swarming behavior and swarm characteristics were similar to those observed in the field. Conclusions Swarm characteristics and their consistency across days provide evidences that these facilities can be used confidently to study swarming behavior. These facilities come to complement existing semi-field setups and pave the way for new experimental studies which will enhance our understanding of mating behavior but also mosquito ecology and evolution, a prerequisite for application of genetic approaches to malaria control.

Targeting genes involved in sexual determinism, for vector or pest control purposes, requires a better understanding of their polymorphism in natural populations in order to ensure a rapid spread of the construct. By using genomic data from An. gambiae s.l., we analyzed the genetic variation and the conservation score of the fru gene in 18 natural populations across Africa. A total of 34,339 SNPs were identified, including 3.11% non-synonymous segregating sites. Overall, the nucleotide diversity was low, and the Tajima’s D neutrality test was negative, indicating an excess of low frequency SNPs in the fru gene. The allelic frequencies of the non-synonymous SNPs were low (freq < 0.26), except for two SNPs identified at high frequencies (freq > 0.8) in the zinc-finger A and B protein domains. The conservation score was variable throughout the fru gene, with maximum values in the exonic regions compared to the intronic regions. These results showed a low genetic variation overall in the exonic regions, especially the male sex-specific exon and the BTB-exon 1 of the fru gene. These findings will facilitate the development of an effective gene drive construct targeting the fru gene that can rapidly spread without encountering resistance in wild populations.

Anopheles mosquitoes have transmitted Plasmodium parasites for millions of years, yet it remains unclear whether they suffer fitness costs to infection. Here we report that the fecundity of virgin and mated females of two important vectors-Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi-is not affected by infection with Plasmodium falciparum, demonstrating that these human malaria parasites do not inflict this reproductive cost on their natural mosquito hosts. Additionally, parasite development is not impacted by mating status. However, in field studies using different P. falciparum isolates in Anopheles coluzzii, we find that Mating-Induced Stimulator of Oogenesis (MISO), a female reproductive gene strongly induced after mating by the sexual transfer of the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), protects females from incurring fecundity costs to infection. MISO-silenced females produce fewer eggs as they become increasingly infected with P. falciparum, while parasite development is not impacted by this gene silencing. Interestingly, previous work had shown that sexual transfer of 20E has specifically evolved in Cellia species of the Anopheles genus, driving the co-adaptation of MISO. Our data therefore suggest that evolution of male-female sexual interactions may have promoted Anopheles tolerance to P. falciparum infection in the Cellia subgenus, which comprises the most important malaria vectors.

Abstract Background A novel strategy applying an organophosphate-based insecticide paint on doors and windows in combination with long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) was tested for the control of pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors in a village setting in Vallée du Kou, a rice-growing area west of Burkina Faso. Methods Insecticide Paint Inesfly 5A IGR™, comprised of two organophosphates and an insect growth regulator, was applied to doors and windows and tested in combination with pyrethroid-treated LLINs. The killing effect was monitored for 5 months by early morning collections of anophelines and other culicids. The residual efficacy was evaluated monthly by WHO bioassays using Anopheles gambiae ‘Kisumu’ and local populations of Anopheles coluzzii resistant to pyrethroids. The spatial mortality efficacy (SME) at distances of 1 m was also assessed against pyrethroid-susceptible and -resistant malaria vectors. The frequency of L1014F kdr and Ace-1 R G119S mutations was, respectively, reported throughout the study. The Insecticide Paint Inesfly 5A IGR had been tested in past studies yielding a long-term mortality rate of 80% over 12 months against An. coluzzii, the local pyrethroid-resistant malaria vector. The purpose of the present study is to test if treating smaller, targeted surfaces (e.g. doors and windows) was also efficient in killing malaria vectors. Results Treating windows and doors alone yielded a killing efficacy of 100% for 1 month against An. coluzzii resistant to pyrethroids, but efficacy reduced quickly afterwards. Likewise, WHO cone bioassays yielded mortalities of 80–100% for 2 months but declined to 90 and 40% 2 and 3 months after treatment, respectively. Mosquitoes exposed to insecticide paint-treated surfaces at distances of 1 m, yielded mortality rates of about 90–80% against local pyrethroids-resistant An. coluzzii during the first 2 months, but decreased to 30% afterwards. Anopheles coluzzii was reported to be exclusively the local malaria vector and resistant to pyrethroids with high L1014 kdr frequency. Conclusion The combination of insecticide paint on doors and windows with LLINs yielded high mortality rates in the short term against wild pyrethroid-resistant malaria vector populations. A high SME was observed against laboratory strains of pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors placed for 30 min at 1 m from the treated/control walls. The application of the insecticide paint on doors and windows led to high but short-lasting mortality rates. The strategy may be an option in a context where low cost, rapid responses need to be implemented in areas where malaria vectors are resistant to pyrethroids.

Abstract Background Genetically enhanced Metarhizium pingshaense are being developed for malaria vector control in Burkina Faso. However, not much is known about the local prevalence and pathogenicity of this fungus, so we prospected mosquitoes and plant roots (a common habitat for Metarhizium spp.) for entomopathogenic fungi. Results Our investigations showed that Metarhizium spp. represented between 29–74% of fungi isolated from plant root rhizospheres in diverse collection sites. At low spore dosages (1 × 106 conidia/ml), two mosquito-derived M. pingshaense isolates (Met_S26 and Met_S10) showed greater virulence against Anopheles coluzzii (LT80 of ~7 days) than isolates tested in previous studies (LT80 of ~10 days). In addition, the local isolates did not cause disease in non-target insects (honeybees and cockroaches). Conclusions Our work provides promising findings for isolating local Metarhizium strains for application in mosquito biological control and for future transgenic biocontrol strategies in Burkina Faso.

Abstract Background Larval nutrition, particularly diet quality, is a key driver in providing sufficient numbers of high quality mosquitoes for biological control strategies such as the sterile insect technique. The diet currently available to mass rear Anopheles arabiensis, referred here to as the “IAEA diet”, is facing high costs and difficulties concerning the availability of the bovine liver powder component. To promote more affordable and sustainable mosquito production, the present study aimed to find alternative diet mixtures. Eight cheaper diet mixtures comprised of varying proportions of tuna meal (TM), bovine liver powder (BLP), brewer’s yeast (BY), and chickpea (CP) were developed and evaluated through a step by step assessment on An. arabiensis larvae and adult life history traits, in comparison to the IAEA diet which served as a basis and standard. Results Four mixtures were found to be effective regarding larval survival to pupation and to emergence, egg productivity, adult body size and longevity. These results suggest that these different diet mixtures have a similar nutritional value that support the optimal development of An. arabiensis larvae and enhance adult biological quality and production efficiency, and thus could be used for mass rearing. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that four different diet mixtures, 40 to 92% cheaper than the IAEA diet, can result in a positive assessment of the mosquitoes’ life history traits, indicating that this mosquito species can be effectively mass reared with a significant reduction in costs. The mixture comprised of TM + BY + CP is the preferred choice as it does not include BLP and thus reduces the cost by 92% compared to the IAEA diet.

Abstract Background The success of the sterile insect technique depends, among other things, on continuous releases of sexually competitive sterile males within the target area. Several factors (including high rearing density and physical manipulation, such as larvae and pupae separation) can influence the quality of males produced in mass-rearing facilities. The different steps in mass production in the laboratory may modify the behaviour of mosquitoes, directly or through loss of natural characters as a result of adaptation to lab rearing, and lead to the competitiveness of sterile male being reduced. In the present study, the objective was to evaluate the effect of mass-rearing conditions on sterile male sexual competitiveness in semi-field cages compared to routine small scale laboratory rearing methods. Methods Anopheles arabiensis immature stages were reared both on a large scale using a rack and tray system developed by the FAO/IAEA (MRS), and on a small scale using standard laboratory rearing trays (SRS). Mosquito life history traits such as pupation rate, emergence rate, adult size as well as the effect of irradiation on adult longevity were evaluated. Moreover, 5–6 day old mosquitoes were released into field cages and left for two nights to mate and the mating competitiveness between sterile mass-reared males and fertile males reared on a small scale when competing for small scale reared virgin females was investigated. Resulting fertility in a treatment ratio of 1:1:1 (100 irradiated males: 100 non-irradiated males: 100 virgin females) was compared to control cages with 0:100:100 (non-irradiated control) and 100:0:100 (irradiated control). Results No significant differences in life history parameters were observed between rearing methods. The competitiveness index of mass reared males (0.58) was similar to males reared on a small scale (0.59). A residual fertility rate of 20% was observed in the irradiated control (100:0:100), measured as the percentage of eggs collected from the cages which developed to adulthood. No significant difference was observed (t = 0.2896, df = 4, P = 0.7865) between the rearing treatments (MRS and SRS) in the fertility rate, a measure of mating competitiveness. Conclusions The results showed that the FAO/IAEA mass-rearing process did not affect mosquito life history parameters or the mating competitiveness of males.

Abstract Background Malaria vectors have acquired widespread resistance throughout sub-Saharan Africa to many of the currently used insecticides. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies including the development of new insecticides for effective management of insecticide resistance. To maintain progress against malaria, it is necessary to identify other residual insecticides for mosquito nets. In the present WHOPES phase II analogue study, the utility of chlorfenapyr, a pyrrole class insecticide mixed with alpha-cypermethrin on a long-lasting mosquito bed net was evaluated against Anopheles gambiae s.l. Methods Bed nets treated with chlorfenapyr and alpha-cypermethrin and mixture of both compounds were tested for their efficacy on mosquitoes. Washed (20 times) and unwashed of each type of treated nets and were tested according to WHOPES guidelines. Efficacy of nets were expressed in terms of blood-feeding inhibition rate, deterrence, induced exophily and mortality rate. The evaluation was conducted in experimental huts of Vallée du Kou seven (VK7) in Burkina Faso (West Africa) following WHOPES phase II guidelines. In addition, a WHOPES phase I evaluation was also performed. Results Mixture treated nets killed significantly (P 0.05) different from nets treated with chlorfenapyr 200 mg/m2 unwashed (86%). The washed and unwashed nets treated with the mixtures resulted in personal protection against An. gambiae s.l. biting 34 and 44%. In contrast the personal protection observed for washed and unwashed alpha-cypermethrin treated nets generated (14 and 24%), and chlorfenapyr solo treated net was rather low (22%). Conclusion Among all nets trialled, the combination of chlorfenapyr and alpha-cypermethrin on bed nets provided better mortality in phase II after 20 washes. Results suggest that this combination could be a potential insecticide resistance management tool for preventing malaria transmission in areas compromised by the spread of pyrethroid resistance.

Within the Anopheles gambiae complex, the sibling species An. coluzzii and An. gambiae are undergoing sympatric speciation. These species are characterized by rare hybrids in most of their geographical distribution. A strong assortative mating mediated by spatial swarm segregation has been shown whereas no intrinsic post-zygotic barriers have been found in laboratory conditions. To test the role of the hybridisation in reproductive isolation in natural populations transplant experiment are therefore needed to establish the significance of post-zygotic barriers. Previous studies indicated that predation is one of the major forces driving ecological divergence between An. gambiae and An. coluzzii. Here we extended these studies to their hybrids. Parental species and their F1 hybrids from reciprocal crosses were generated by the forced-mating technique as follows: female An. coluzzii × male An. coluzzii; female An. coluzzii × male An. gambiae; female An. gambiae × male An. coluzzii and female An. gambiae × Male An. gambiae. First instar larvae of each group from the crossing (here after An. coluzzii, Hybrid COL/GAM, Hybrid GAM/COL and An. gambiae, respectively) were transplanted in a field experiment with predation effect. Emergence success, development time of larvae and body size of the newly emerging adults were estimated as fitness components and then compared between parental species and F1 hybrids in absence and in presence of predators. Our findings confirm that An. coluzzii had higher fitness than An. gambiae in presence of predators versus in absence of predators. Moreover, the fitness of the F1 hybrid COL/GAM whose female parent was An. coluzzii matched that of An. coluzzii while that of the F1 reciprocal hybrid GAM/COL was similar to An. gambiae.

Despite the global efforts made in the fight against malaria, the disease is resurging. One of the main causes is the resistance that Anopheles mosquitoes, vectors of the disease, have developed to insecticides. Anopheles must survive for at least 10 days to possibly transmit malaria. Therefore, to evaluate and improve malaria vector control interventions, it is imperative to monitor and accurately estimate the age distribution of mosquito populations as well as their population sizes. Here, we demonstrate a machine-learning based approach that uses mid-infrared spectra of mosquitoes to characterise simultaneously both age and species identity of females of the African malaria vector species Anopheles gambiae and An. arabiensis, using laboratory colonies. Mid-infrared spectroscopy-based prediction of mosquito age structures was statistically indistinguishable from true modelled distributions. The accuracy of classifying mosquitoes by species was 82.6%. The method has a negligible cost per mosquito, does not require highly trained personnel, is rapid, and so can be easily applied in both laboratory and field settings. Our results indicate this method is a promising alternative to current mosquito species and age-grading approaches, with further improvements to accuracy and expansion for use with wild mosquito vectors possible through collection of larger mid-infrared spectroscopy data sets.

Background: A severe outbreak of dengue occurred in Burkina Faso in 2016, with the most cases reported in Ouagadougou, that highlights the necessity to implement vector surveillance system. This study aims to estimate the risk of arboviruses transmission and the insecticide susceptibility status of potential vectors in four sites in Burkina Faso.Methods: From June to September 2016, house-to-house cross sectional entomological surveys were performed in four cities stretching along a southwest-to-northeast railway transect. The household surveys analyzed the presence of Aedes spp. larvae in containers holding water and the World Health Organization (WHO) larval abundance indices were estimated. WHO tube assays was used to evaluate the insecticide susceptibility within Aedes populations from these localities.Results: A total of 31,378 mosquitoes' larvae were collected from 1,330 containers holding water. Aedes spp. was the most abundant (95.19%) followed by Culex spp. (4.75%). Aedes aegypti a key vector of arboviruses (ARBOV) in West Africa was the major Aedes species found (98.60%). The relative larval indices, house index, container and Breteau indexes were high, up to 70, 35, and 10, respectively. Aedes aegypti tended to breed mainly in discarded tires and terracotta jars. Except in Banfora the western city, Ae. aegypti populations were resistant to deltamethrin 0.05% in the other localities with low mortality rate under 20% in Ouagadougou whereas they were fully susceptible to malathion 5% whatever the site. Intermediate resistance was observed in the four sites with mortality rates varying between 78 and 94% with bendiocarb 0.1%.Conclusions: This study provided basic information on entomological indices that can help to monitor the risks of ARBOV epidemics in the main cities along the railway in Burkina Faso. In these cities, all larval indices exceeded the risk level of ARBOV outbreak. Aedes aegypti the main species collected was resistant to deltamethrin 0.05% and bendiocarb 0.1% whereas they were fully susceptible to malathion 5%. The monitoring of insecticide resistance is also important to be integrated to the vector surveillance system in Burkina Faso.

Wolbachia bacteria infect insects and could potentially be used to control populations of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. Here, the authors provide evidence that natural Wolbachia infections affect the rate of egg laying and are associated with reduced presence of malaria parasites in Anophelesmosquitoes.

In West Africa, Aedes aegypti remains the major vector of dengue virus. Since 2013, dengue fever has been reemerging in Burkina Faso with annual outbreaks, thus becoming a major public health problem. Its control relies on vector control, which is unfortunately facing the problem of insecticide resistance. At the time of this study, although data on phenotypic resistance were available, information related to the metabolic resistance in Aedes populations from Burkina Faso remained very scarce. Here, we assessed the phenotypic and the metabolic resistance of Ae. aegypti populations sampled from the two main urban areas (Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso) of Burkina Faso. Insecticide susceptibility bioassays to chlorpyriphos-methyl 0.4%, bendiocarb 0.1% and deltamethrin 0.05% were performed on natural populations of Ae. aegypti using the WHO protocol. The activity of enzymes involved in the rapid detoxification of insecticides, especially non-specific esterases, oxidases (cytochrome P450) and glutathione-S-transferases, was measured on individual mosquitos. The mortality rates for deltamethrin 0.05% were low and ranged from 20.72% to 89.62% in the Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou sites, respectively. When bendiocarb 0.1% was tested, the mortality rates ranged from 7.73% to 71.23%. Interestingly, in the two urban areas, mosquitoes were found to be fully susceptible to chlorpyriphos-methyl 0.4%. Elevated activity of non-specific esterases and glutathione-S-transferases was reported, suggesting multiple resistance mechanisms involved in Ae. aegypti populations from Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou (including cytochrome P450). This update to the insecticide resistance status within Ae. aegypti populations in the two biggest cities is important to better plan dengue vectors control in the country and provides valuable information for improving vector control strategies in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

BackgroundIn view of widespread pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors in Africa, two long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) incorporated with a synergist, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), DawaPlus 3.0 (deltamethrin + PBO in the roof panel; deltamethrin alone in the side panels) and DawaPlus 4.0 (deltamethrin + PBO in all panels), were evaluated in an experimental hut trial in a rice growing irrigated area in Burkina Faso. Efficacy of nets was tested against free-flying malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae s.l., with high pyrethroid resistance involving L1014F kdr and CYP6P3P450 resistance mechanisms.MethodologyThe efficacy of unwashed and 20-times washed DawaPlus 3.0 (polyethylene roof panel with 120 mg/m2 deltamethrin and 440 mg/m2 PBO; polyester side panels with deltamethrin 100 mg/m2) and DawaPlus 4.0 (same composition as roof of DawaPlus 3.0) was evaluated against DawaPlus 2.0 (80 mg/m2 deltamethrin; positive control). Volunteer sleepers and treatments were rotated in huts using a Latin square design on 63 consecutive nights during August-October 2016. Mortality, human blood-feeding inhibition, deterrence and exit rates of An. gambiae s.l. were monitored.Principal findingsSignificantly higher rates of mortality and blood-feeding inhibition were observed with unwashed DawaPlus 4.0 (36%; 47.5%) than unwashed DawaPlus 3.0 (11.8%; 33.3%), DawaPlus 2.0 (4.3%; 6.4%) or untreated net (P < 0.05). Washing reduced personal protective efficacy yet PBO-LLINs were more protective and both met the WHO criteria.ConclusionsThe PBO-containing DawaPlus 4.0 significantly protected against An. gambiae s.l. in the study area. Unwashed DawaPlus 3.0 gave low to moderate protection against the positive control. PBO inhibits oxidase action; hence in areas with active malaria transmission having oxidase mechanisms, PBO nets could confer additional personal protection.