article · BMC Genomics
Existing malaria control strategies face mounting pressure from vector behaviour shifts and growing insecticide resistance. To inform the design and deployment of new interventions, such as genetic control, whole-genome sequencing was used to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of malaria vectors across three climatic zones in Burkina Faso. The analysis revealed an absence of geographical population structure in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto and Anopheles coluzzii, indicating high gene flow throughout the country and signs of general population expansion. In contrast, Anopheles arabiensis displayed weak geographical structuring, with specimens from the Hauts-Bassins area separating from others, alongside evidence of a population bottleneck or smaller size. Cryptic species previously reported in Burkina Faso were not observed. The widespread gene flow suggests that engineered gene drive traits could spread rapidly through primary vector populations.
Malaria control requires accurate understanding of mosquito genetics, especially as conventional insecticides encounter rising resistance. By mapping vector population dynamics across different ecological zones, public health programmes can better evaluate how interventions will function. Confirming high gene flow indicates that emerging biological and genetic interventions could disperse efficiently across wide areas, aiding long-term planning for regional malaria elimination.
This research provides baseline genomic intelligence relevant to developers of genetic biocontrols, vector control product manufacturers, and public health agencies designing genetic deployment programmes. The work is early-stage research aimed at informing future gene drive implementation and vector management protocols rather than delivering an immediate commercial product. Practical deployment of gene drives remains dependent on ongoing technology development, regulatory frameworks, and extensive field evaluations.
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Abstract Background Malaria control tools are nowadays challenged by the expansion and persistence of insecticide resistance in the malaria vector along with the changes in vector behaviour. To complement and reinforce the existing control tools, innovative vector control methods, such as gene drives, are currently under development. Understanding the Anopheles gambiae sensu lato ( An. gambiae s.l. ) population structure is crucial for the implementation of genetic control tools and improvement of existing control strategies. Here we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations from three climatic zones in Burkina Faso. Method Mosquito specimens were collected across three ecological settings in Burkina Faso using pyrethroid spray catches. The whole genomes of Anopheles gambiae s.l. specimens were sequenced as part of the Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes Project. Data were analysed using MalariaGEN Resources to investigate the genetic diversity and the population structure. Results The results revealed the absence of geographical population structure in Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto ( An. gambiae s.s. ) collected in the three climatic zones, implicating high gene flow within the country. Anopheles arabiensis showed a structure that separates Hauts-Bassins samples in the Soudanian zone from other An. arabiensis samples. The cryptic species ( An. goundry and An. tengrela ) previously identified in the country were not detected in this study. Our findings also indicate population expansion in An. gambiae s.l. ; however, An. arabiensis populations show evidence of a smaller population size or a bottleneck. Conclusion Our findings could indicate that An. arabiensis has a distinct demographic history. The population structure of An. gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii across the country is characterized by a lack of geographical differentiation. These findings have important implications for both current vector control strategies and the potential implementation of gene drive technologies. Indeed, the lack of geographical population structure offers the potential for the rapid spread of gene drive constructs.
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DOI: 10.1186/s12864-026-13321-6
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