Genetic control strategies for population suppression in the Anopheles gambiae complex: a review of current technologies
Genetic control strategies for population suppression in the Anopheles gambiae complex: a review of current technologies
Tags: Anopheles, Gene drive, Genetic biocontrol, Malaria, Population suppressionAlekos Simoni, Ignacio Tolosana, Federica Bernardini, Current Opinion in Insect Science, 2025.
Malaria continues to pose a critical public health threat, with mosquitoes from the Anopheles gambiae complex acting as the main vectors of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 95% of malaria-related deaths occur. Despite significant advancements in vector control, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying, the effectiveness of these interventions is increasingly compromised by various challenges, including rising levels of insecticide and pathogen resistance, mosquito behavioural adaptations, and persistent funding gaps. In this context, genetic vector control strategies have shown considerable promise, primarily based on findings from controlled laboratory studies. This review explores the development of these genetic approaches within the Anopheles gambiae complex and outlines future directions for their advancement and potential integration into malaria control efforts.
