For over a century, anopheles funestus has been one of the deadliest carriers of malaria across Africa, yet little is known about its genetic makeup. In a recent study, scientists have taken a detailed look into its DNA, uncovering how this stubborn mosquito has been changing—especially as people try to fight it.

The landmark study, published on September 18, 2025 in Science, not only retraces the insect’s genetic journey through the last 100 years but also points to new ways of outsmarting it in the long battle against malaria.

Led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, with contributions from research partners including the Ifakara Health Institute, scientists analyzed the DNA of more than 650 modern samples collected between 2014 and 2018, alongside 45 historic samples collected between 1927 and 1967 across 16 African countries. This dataset offered a unique look at how the mosquito’s DNA has changed over nearly a century.

While not as famous as its cousin anopheles gambiae, funestus is among the deadliest mosquitoes spreading malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientists say the new discoveries open a window into the mosquito’s biology—knowledge that could help reshape future strategies for controlling its spread.

Key discoveries

1. Genetic stability with regional twists: Despite having a lot of genetic diversity, funestus populations across Africa are stable — though with clear differences in different regions. For example, mosquitoes from places 4,000 km apart were genetically very similar even after 100 years, while in another place, mosquitoes living close together were genetically quite different (two “ecotypes”).
2. Insecticide resistance: The study found that the use of insecticides has pushed the mosquitoes to evolve. Some resistance genes spread across populations through gene flow while others developed independently.
3. A potential gene drive target: On a positive note, a promising gene drive target — a genetic tool that could help reduce mosquito populations — originally developed for An. gambiae may also work against An. funestus, offering a new path for population control.

Why these findings matter?

The study underscores an important reality: malaria elimination cannot be achieved without tackling funestus. This mosquito’s populations are genetically complex and controlling it is challenging. However, the researchers emphasize that by uncovering the genetic diversity and population structure of An. funestus, the study provides a foundation for more effective mosquito monitoring and control through “smarter surveillance and targeted vector control.”

Ifakara’s contribution

Three scientists from the Ifakara Health Institute — Joel Odero, Emmanuel Kaindoa, and Fredros Okumu — made key contributions to the research.

The study was led by Dr. Marilou Boddé (first author) and Dr. Mara Lawniczak (senior author) of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, with additional collaborators from institutions across Africa, Europe, and the United States.

Partner institutions included CIRMF (Gabon), CISM (Mozambique), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK), Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (Ghana), KEMRI (Kenya), Institut Pasteur de Bangui (Gabon), University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), Natural History Museum (UK), Arizona State University (USA), the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Kenya), Centre for Research in Infectious Disease (Cameroon), and Institut Pasteur de Madagascar (Madagascar).

Read the publication here.