Understanding the distribution and spread of Anopheles stephensi, a new and invasive malaria vector in Africa
Lead Research Organisation:
London Sch of Hygiene & Tropic. Medicine
Department Name: Infectious and Tropical Diseases
Abstract
This project investigates the environmental factors driving the spread of Anopheles stephensi in Africa and its potential to increase malaria transmission. By integrating entomology, epidemiology, disease modelling, and vector control, the interdisciplinary PhD aims to inform global health policies in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). It seeks to address critical gaps in understanding how invasive species affect disease transmission and provide evidence for more effective malaria control strategies.
An. stephensi, a malaria vector native to South Asia and the Middle East, was first detected in Africa in 2012 in Djibouti. It has since spread rapidly, including into urban areas that previously had very little, or no, malaria transmission. An. stephensi is different from the endemic malaria vectors in Africa, in terms of its ecology and behaviour, with important implications for control strategies, particularly in the rapidly-growing cities that may now be at increased risk of disease. This project aims to understand how environmental factors, human activities, and animal populations influence the mosquito's spread, with a focus on preparing for future outbreaks. The project will pay particular attention to fostering global partnerships, as per the MRC's goals.
Phase 1: Critical Review
The project begins with a literature review on An. stephensi distribution and feeding behaviours, in comparison to established African malaria vectors An. arabiensis and An. gambiae. This aligns with BBSRC's aim of advancing bioscience frontiers by improving our understanding of vector biology and malaria transmission. The review will provide key insights into how An. stephensi behaviour and ecology impact disease transmission and contribute to global health challenges.
Phase 2: Larval Ecology and Adult Feeding Patterns
Fieldwork will be conducted in a country recently invaded by An. stephensi, such as Cameroon, Ghana, or Tanzania. Final decision of the setting will be made once current ongoing studies have reported presence or absence of the vector. The mosquito's larval habitats and feeding preferences will be studied, with the use of a new e-DNA sampling technique. This stage supports MRC's priority of applied global health research, as it directly addresses the spread of vector-borne diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, this research promotes NERC's goal of understanding environmental interactions and hazards, as it examines how environmental changes influence disease vectors and uses new interdisciplinary methods to ask these questions.
Phase 3: Transmission Modelling
Data from the first two phases will be used to model how variations in host populations (humans and livestock) and mosquito feeding behaviour affect malaria transmission by An. stephensi an area yet to be examined. This phase addresses NERC's priority of promoting a systems approach to managing environmental hazards and MRC's focus on infections and immunity. By incorporating data on human and animal densities, the models will assess future risks associated with An. stephensi.
An. stephensi, a malaria vector native to South Asia and the Middle East, was first detected in Africa in 2012 in Djibouti. It has since spread rapidly, including into urban areas that previously had very little, or no, malaria transmission. An. stephensi is different from the endemic malaria vectors in Africa, in terms of its ecology and behaviour, with important implications for control strategies, particularly in the rapidly-growing cities that may now be at increased risk of disease. This project aims to understand how environmental factors, human activities, and animal populations influence the mosquito's spread, with a focus on preparing for future outbreaks. The project will pay particular attention to fostering global partnerships, as per the MRC's goals.
Phase 1: Critical Review
The project begins with a literature review on An. stephensi distribution and feeding behaviours, in comparison to established African malaria vectors An. arabiensis and An. gambiae. This aligns with BBSRC's aim of advancing bioscience frontiers by improving our understanding of vector biology and malaria transmission. The review will provide key insights into how An. stephensi behaviour and ecology impact disease transmission and contribute to global health challenges.
Phase 2: Larval Ecology and Adult Feeding Patterns
Fieldwork will be conducted in a country recently invaded by An. stephensi, such as Cameroon, Ghana, or Tanzania. Final decision of the setting will be made once current ongoing studies have reported presence or absence of the vector. The mosquito's larval habitats and feeding preferences will be studied, with the use of a new e-DNA sampling technique. This stage supports MRC's priority of applied global health research, as it directly addresses the spread of vector-borne diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, this research promotes NERC's goal of understanding environmental interactions and hazards, as it examines how environmental changes influence disease vectors and uses new interdisciplinary methods to ask these questions.
Phase 3: Transmission Modelling
Data from the first two phases will be used to model how variations in host populations (humans and livestock) and mosquito feeding behaviour affect malaria transmission by An. stephensi an area yet to be examined. This phase addresses NERC's priority of promoting a systems approach to managing environmental hazards and MRC's focus on infections and immunity. By incorporating data on human and animal densities, the models will assess future risks associated with An. stephensi.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Roz Taylor (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/X016714/1 | 30/09/2023 | 29/09/2029 | |||
| 2927079 | Studentship | NE/X016714/1 | 30/09/2024 | 30/09/2031 | Roz Taylor |