[afro-nets] RFI: Status of Anopheles Funestus Resistance

[Maurice Odiere <MOdiere@ke.cdc.gov>]

RFI: Status of Anopheles Funestus Resistance to Chemical Control
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Hi all,

I am interested in getting information on the resistance status
of Anopheles funestus to chemical control, especially the pyre-
throids.

It is known that ITNs for instance do not affect all mosquito
species to the same degree, with An. funestus being the most
sensitive and Culex quinquefaciatus being the least sensitive.
Anopheles funestus has been noted to be very susceptible to
chemical control, and spraying campaigns reported apparent
eradications of this species from small foci (Gillies et al.,
1968). Several other studies (Gimnig et al., 2003b; Bogh et al.,
1998; Mathenge et al., 2001; Magesa et al., 1990b, other studies
in West Africa) have shown that An. funestus is indeed suscepti-
ble by evaluation of various entomologic indices. Our current
study in Asembo, Kenya (high transmission area) also shows that
this species is strongly affected by presence of ITNs (impreg-
nated by alphacypermethrin) as evidenced by the higher exit
rates from houses with ITNs compared to An. gambiae s.l. & Culex
quinquefasciatus.

However, there has been reported resistance of An. funestus s.s.
to pyrethroid insecticides in KwaZulu Natal (low transmission
area), South Africa (Hargreaves et al., 2000). In fact, the dra-
matic increase in malaria morbidity and mortality in KwaZulu Na-
tal (1995 - 2000) was attributed to reinvasion of the area by
this vector among other things.

What is the current status of An. funestus resistance to pyre-
throids? Is the observed resistance focal/localised?

Cheers!

Maurice R. Odiere
CDC-Entomology section
P.0.Box 1578
Kisumu, Kenya
Tel: (Office): +254-572022902
Cell: +254-721 845 777
mailto:modiere@ke.cdc.gov