Evolution and coevolution of invasive anopheles stephensi and sympatric plasmodium populations in africa: a genomic investigation

Baylor University received a $695,801 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), effective September 17, 2025, with a completion date of August 31, 2026. The research project, titled "Evolution and Coevolution of Invasive Anopheles stephensi and Sympatric Plasmodium Populations in Africa: A Genomic Investigation," aims to characterize the genomic bases of adaptation in invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes across East Africa and identify genomic features associated with susceptibility to local Plasmodium falciparum strains. The research addresses critical gaps in understanding how this invasive malaria vector has established itself across diverse environmental conditions and developed insecticide resistance, posing significant threats to malaria control efforts in historically low-transmission regions.

The project will deliver three primary research products: (1) an evaluation of the evolution and spread of An. stephensi during the invasion phase to identify environmental adaptations; (2) identification of genomic features associated with P. falciparum infection compatibility; and (3) development of molecular surveillance tools to improve reporting of epidemiologically relevant genomic markers and predict An. stephensi's impact on malaria epidemiology. The research will be conducted through established collaborations with academic and public health institutions in the United States, Ethiopia, and Somalia, with a sub-award to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte supporting the research effort. These research outputs are intended to enhance molecular surveillance capacity and enable better prediction of malaria outbreak risk across the mosquito's invasive range in Africa.

Abstract

Anopheles stephensi, a mosquito capable of spreading malaria, is a major threat to the progress of malaria control. IT is a native vector in south asia and portions of the middle east but was reported in djibouti in 2013 and is now well established throughout east africa. This invasive vector is a threat to malaria control because IT has the capacity thrive in both urban and rural areas. In addition, insecticide resistance has been reported across several portions of the invasive range. Most recently, an. Stephensi has been the cause of malaria outbreaks in historically low transmission regions. There are critical knowledge gaps related to an. Stephensi adaptation to the environment that facilitated its spread and establishment, and the genomic features that facilitate the compatibility with local plasmodium falciparum strains. The goal of the proposed study is to identify the genomic bases of adaptation in invasive an. Stephensi in africa and an. Stephensi's susceptibility to local african p. Falciparum strains. In addition, we will use these data to develop surveillance tools to better predict an. Stephensi's impact on malaria epidemiology. This project will continue our long-standing collaborations with academic and public health institutions in the US, ethiopia, and somalia. Ultimately, growing our understanding of the genomic diversity of an. Stephensi will provide the bases for enhanced molecular surveillance and understanding of risk for future malaria outbreaks across the invasion range. Our specific aims are: 1) evaluate the evolution and spread of an. Stephensi over the course of the invasion to identify environmental adaptations, 2) we will identify an. Stephensi genomic features associated with p. Falciparum infection. 3) develop tools to improve the reporting of epidemiologically relevant genomic markers in an. Stephensi. Overall, this multiregional and interdisciplinary collaborative effort will fill gaps related to invasive an. Stephensi adaptation in east africa. Our results will provide the scientific bases for approaches to control of this invasive mosquito and ultimately the prevention of malaria.