Species composition and distribution of the Anopheles gambiae complex circulating in Kinshasa

Abstract

Understanding the distribution of Anopheles species is essential for planning and implementing malaria control programmes. This study assessed the composition and distribution of cryptic species of the main malaria vector, the <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> complex, in different districts of Kinshasa. Anopheles were sampled using CDC light traps in the four Kinshasa districts between July 2021 and June 2022, and then morphologically identified. Equal proportions of <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> s.l. per site were subjected to polymerase chain reaction to identify the cryptic species of the <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> complex. <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> complex specimens were identified throughout Kinshasa. The average density significantly differed inside and outside households. Two species of this complex circulate in Kinshasa: <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> and <i>Anopheles coluzzii</i>. In all the study sites, <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> was the most widespread species. Our results provide an important basis for future studies on the ecology and dynamics of cryptic species of the <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> complex in Kinshasa.