Implications of Climate Change and Anopheles stephensi Liston in Africa: Knowledge Gaps and Lessons from History

Abstract

Purpose of Review The invasive Asian mosquito vector—Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901—is poised to greatly complicate malaria eradication efforts across Africa. This species has been reported in an increasing number of African nations and has the potential to introduce malaria into most of Africa’s largest cities. Climate change is a dominant force changing population dynamics across the continent and driving human populations to migrate to urban centers. Recent Findings This work presents all high-quality surveillance data documenting An. stephensi to date, including an overlooked report of the species collected in Egypt in 1966. Finally, we provide detailed images of adult and larval morphology and bionomics descriptions. Summary Based on our current knowledge of Anopheles stephensi, we explore how climate change may impact its distribution and malaria rates in the coming decades. We also identify key knowledge gaps related to this species invasion including the most up-to-date information on the taxonomy, morphological characters, and bionomics of An. stephensi. Tools that are publicly available via VectorMap are also presented along with guidance on strengthening surveillance programs targeting An. stephensi using these tools.