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[Preprint]. 2023 Dec 1:2023.12.01.569589.
doi: 10.1101/2023.12.01.569589.

First detection of Anopheles stephensi in Ghana using molecular surveillance

Yaw A Afrane  1 , Anisa Abdulai  1 , Abdul R Mohammed  1 , Yaw Akuamoah-Boateng  1 , Christopher Mfum Owusu-Asenso  1 , Isaac K Sraku  1 , Stephina A Yanney  1 , Keziah Malm  2 , Neil F Lobo  3
Affiliations

First detection of Anopheles stephensi in Ghana using molecular surveillance

Yaw A Afrane et al. bioRxiv. .

Update in

Abstract

The invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito has been rapidly expanding in range in Africa over the last decade, spreading from the Indian sub-continent to several East African countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and Kenya) and now in West Africa, Nigeria. The rapid expansion of this invasive vector poses a major threat to current malaria control and elimination efforts. In line with the WHO's strategy to stop the spread of this invasive species by enhancing surveillance and control measures in Africa, we incorporated morphological and molecular surveillance of An. stephensi into routine entomological surveillance of malaria vectors in the city of Accra, Ghana. Here, we report on the first detection of An. stephensi in Ghana. An. stephensi mosquitoes were confirmed using PCR and sequencing of the ITS2 regions. These findings highlight the urgent need for increased surveillance and response strategies to mitigate the spread of An. stephensi in Ghana.

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Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Routine entomological surveillance sites in Accra, Ghana
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
Habitats were An. stephensi larvae were found. a Dug-out well (Tuba), b drainage ditches (Dansoman), c swamp (Nima)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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