Author:
Hemming-Schroeder Elizabeth,Zhong Daibin,Machani Maxwell,Nguyen Hoan,Thong Sarah,Kahindi Samuel,Mbogo Charles,Atieli Harrysone,Githeko Andrew,Lehmann Tovi,Kazura James W.,Yan Guiyun
Abstract
AbstractAnopheles gambiaeandAn. arabiensisare major malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge of how geographical factors drive the dispersal and gene flow of malaria vectors can help in combatting insecticide resistance spread and planning new vector control interventions. Here, we used a landscape genetics approach to investigate population relatedness and genetic connectivity ofAn. gambiaeandAn. arabiensisacross Kenya and determined the changes in mosquito population genetic diversity after 20 years of intensive malaria control efforts. We found a significant reduction in genetic diversity inAn. gambiae, but not inAn. arabiensisas compared to prior to the 20-year period in western Kenya. Significant population structure among populations was found for both species. The most important ecological driver for dispersal and gene flow ofAn. gambiaeandAn. arabiensiswas tree cover and cropland, respectively. These findings highlight that human induced environmental modifications may enhance genetic connectivity of malaria vectors.
Funder
National Institutes of Health
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
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