How can tsetse population genetics contribute to African trypanosomiasis control?

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, tsetse transmitted Trypanosomiases have an enormous impact on human health and economic development. Both the World Health Organisation and African countries through the Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) have recently asserted their determination to rid the sub-continent of these diseases, and it is increasingly recognised that vector control should play an important role. This review mainly focuses on population genetics of tsetse of the palpalis group, the main vectors of sleeping sickness, and reports recent results on tsetse population structure and on measures of gene flow between populations. Implications of these studies for large-scale tsetse control programmes being undertaken in West Africa are important, particularly regarding control strategies (suppression or eradication).