Detection of invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes in Africa poses a significant threat to malaria control efforts – a new colorimetric LAMP assay offers promising solutions.
- Anopheles stephensi, a primary malaria vector in South Asia, was detected in Africa in 2012, sparking concern due to its ability to thrive in urban and rural environments.
- The spread of An. stephensi mosquitoes throughout Africa poses a significant risk for a 126 million increase in malaria cases primarily in urban areas.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an initiative to stop the spread of An. stephensi mosquitoes, with global organizations and countries releasing action plans for enhanced surveillance and rapid response.
- A rapid colorimetric LAMP-based Anopheles stephensi species (CLASS) identification assay was developed to detect An. stephensi mosquitoes with high sensitivity and specificity.
- The CLASS assay proved effective in identifying An. stephensi mosquitoes, even in field samples from Kenya, and is seen as a promising tool for early detection and monitoring of the invasive species.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention, Entomology