Preparations for Genetically Modified Anopheles gambiae s.s. Mosquitoes for Malaria
Control in Uganda.
Birungi K1, Kayondo J1., Masembe C2., Mukwaya L.G1., and Birungi J1.
1Uganda
Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Division of Entomology, P.O. Box 49 Entebbe
University Kampala, College of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala
2Makerere
Contact person: Birungi Krystal Email: KBirungi@uvri.go.ug, Phone: 0792 504 071
BACKGROUND: Malaria is a vector borne disease that still remains of public health concern
worldwide. Despite control initiatives including insecticide residual spraying, use of insecticide
treated nets, intermittent preventive therapy in pregnancy and artemisinin-based combination
therapy in Uganda, the malaria burden still remains. The development of genetically modified
mosquitoes (GMMs) is another attempt for malaria control. A GMM has been developed for the
Anopheles gambiae s.s. mosquito, an important vector of malaria worldwide and a predominant
vector in Uganda. In order to evaluate GMM effectiveness in Uganda, well characterized
confined potential field sites need to be identified. This paper discusses essential preparations for
release of GMMs to be undertaken, which include; (i) Observe An. gambiae s.s distribution
patterns, (ii) Determine Anopheline species diversity and abundance and how the species
composition varies seasonally (iii) determine genetic gene flow rates between selected island
populations. This will identify suitable field sites for confined release of genetically modified An
gambiae s.s. METHODS:The study will be carried out on four selected islands; Nsadzi, Buvu,
Jana and Serinya islands. Anopheline mosquitoes will be sampled. Adult mosquitoes will be
collected both indoors and outdoors from randomly selected houses for a period of two years.
Larvae and pupae will also be collected from breeding habitats and sent to the insectary for
rearing. Adults will be identified using morphological and molecular characteristics. The species
number and abundance per sampling will be documented. Daily records of climatic conditions
will be obtained from the Meteorological department. Variations in abundance due to
environmental conditions and the association between An gambiae s.s and other Anopheline
species will be computed. Confirmed An gambiae s.s from the different islands will be
genotyped to determine extent of gene flow between the islands. CONCLUSION: This study
will contribute to another step in the direction of malaria control.