Spatial and temporal distribution of the N1575Y allele and his impact on the malaria vector control activities. (360G-Wellcome-101071_Z_13_Z)

The primary goal of the proposed project is to understand the driving forces selecting for an emerging insecticide resistance mutation in the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Pyrethroid resistance threatens to compromise the gains made in reducing malaria from large-scale distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) [8]. The pyrethroid resistance mutations, commonly referred to as knockdown resistance or kdr (L1014F/L1014S) are extending th eir range, and in the case of L1014F, approach fixation over much of West Africa. A secondary mutation, N1575Y, was recently detected at low but rising frequencies in Burkina Faso suggesting an ongoing selective sweep [5]. The resistant haplotype provided added benefit to mosquitoes exposed to pyrethroids/DDT (odds ratios = 1.93 2.60). The discovery of a new resistance mechanism while at a relatively low frequency is a unique opportunity to address some of the key questions in our understanding of resistance management strategies while providing important information for vector control operations within the local setting. The project will tackle these questions by estimating the selection of N1575Y over the past 20 years; investigating potential sources of selection pressures and exploring the fitness costs associated with kdr haplotypes.