Distribution and Phylogenetic Characterization of the Invasive Malaria Vector, Anopheles Stephensi in Sudan

Background: An. stephensi is an invasive malaria vector that is originally endemic in Asia. Recently, An. stephensi has emerged in the Horn of Africa, where it was firstly emerged in Djibouti in 2012, Ethiopia in 2016, and Sudan in 2019.Methods: Active surveys and routine surveillance were used to collect samples of An. stephensii mosquitoes throughout Sudan. Sequencing and molecular tools were used to confirm the species and investigate the population structure of this invasive vector.Findings: We have confirmed the presence of this invasive vector in eight border States. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of 20 haplotypes among the collected populations of An. stephensi. We have identified several breeding sites, some of them man-made, such as Plastic, Iron, and Clay containers, in addition to the natural breeding sites, including poles resulted from rainwater and small streams originated from leakage of water supply pipeline. Interpretation: This study confirmed the countrywide spread of An. stephensi in Sudan with geographical distribution extended from the eastern borders to the West and from the northern borders to the country's southern borders. The phylogenetic and haplotypic analysis suggested the so far establishment of this vector in the country, and it is an evolutionary adaptation to the ecological and environmental conditions in the country's different regions. This urges the extreme need for global engagement and resources mobilization to support the surveillance and control of disease vectors and prevent the further spread of this invasive vector into Central and West Africa.Funding: None to declare.Declaration of Interest: None to declare.