Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Journal Club: Genomic surveillance reveals geographical heterogeneity and differences in known and novel insecticide resistance mechanisms in Anopheles arabiensis across Kenya

The Wellcome Sanger Institute Journal Club on Malaria Genomic Epidemiology will discuss this month on “Genomic surveillance reveals geographical heterogeneity and differences in known and novel insecticide resistance mechanisms in Anopheles arabiensis across Kenya”. 

Date: 18th of March, 2025.

Time: 1:30 pm UK time.

Speaker: Dr. Brian Polo, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

In this journal club, Brian will elaborate on findings from a recent first-author pre-print that sheds light on the complex genetic landscape of Anopheles arabiensis, a major yet understudied malaria vector, and its evolving insecticide resistance across Kenya. 

By analysing the genomes of nearly 500 Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes, researchers uncovered how natural barriers like the Great Rift Valley and local factors such as ecology and land use drive distinct resistance patterns. Some notable findings include genes linked to metabolic resistance to pyrethroids and organophosphates found in samples from central Kenya. At the same time, high frequencies of target site mutations were observed in the northwest. The study also identified novel genetic markers under selection, including the Keap1 gene, offering new insights into how mosquitoes adapt to intense insecticide pressure. These highlight the varied nature of insecticide resistance across the country.

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