Spatial distribution and population structure of the invasive Anopheles stephensi in Kenya from 2022 to 2024
This study analyzes the distribution, genetic diversity, and spread of Anopheles stephensi in Kenya following initial detection in December 2022. A total of 114 larval and 33 adult An. stephensi samples were confirmed in 7 of 18 surveyed counties majorly along transportation routes. Genetic analyses revealed three distinct genetic compositions with different levels of genetic diversity, suggesting multiple introductions into the country. The genetic composition of mosquitoes in most counties resembled southern Ethiopian populations, while those from Turkana showed a unique haplotype. A species distribution model predicts a more extensive range than currently observed, with low precipitation and minimal seasonal temperature variations as key factors influencing distribution. Challenges in adult sampling were noted, with larval sampling revealing co-occurrence with native Anopheles species. The findings have implications for surveillance and control strategies, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring, refined sampling techniques to inform bionomics, and cross-border collaboration.
Authors
- Jonathan Schultz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9405-5333)
- Julie Gutman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6769-7322)
- Seline Omondi
- Sheila B. Ogoma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4063-6762)
- Jeanne N. Samake (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2391-6583)
- Wendy Prudhomme O’Meara (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9455-3965)
- Charles Mbogo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5335-6551)
- Eric Ochomo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4042-4970)
- Duncan K. Athinya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7909-0448)
- Mildred Shieshia
- Monica Mburu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6772-7296)
- Margaret Muchoki
- Sarah Zohdy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5316-0567)
- Martin Kibet Rono (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7255-821X)
- Samuel Kahindi
- Bernard Abong’o (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5038-604X)
- Florence Oyieke (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6326-9873)
- Sylvia Milanoi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9654-910X)
- John E. Gimnig (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4218-447X)
- Cristina Rafferty (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1903-5524)
- Celestine Wekesa
- Wolfgang R Mukabana
- Marta F. Maia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3302-5610)
- Damaris Matoke-Muhia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7737-8069)
- Edith Ramaita
- Kibor Keitany
- Elizabeth Nyawira
- Brian Bartilol
Institutions
- University of Nairobi (KE)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)
- Duke University (US)
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (GB)
- Pwani University (KE)
- Kenyatta National Hospital (KE)
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KE)
- University of Oxford (GB)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (UG)
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (US)
- Vestergaard (Switzerland) (CH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KE)
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu (KE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Scientific Reports
- Published
- 2025-06-06
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04682-1
- Citations
- 11
- Primary Topic
- Malaria Research and Control
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 20.66
Funders
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Wellcome Trust
- National Institutes of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases