# Ecology and genetics of insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors

> **NIH AI R01** · UNIVERSITY OF GHANA · 2026 · $135,000

## Abstract

Project summary
Title: Ecology and genetics of insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors
The current first-line vector control methods rely on pyrethroid-based long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and
indoor residual spraying (IRS). Insecticide-resistant vector genotypes are selected, leading to widespread of
insecticide resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. The evolution of insecticide resistance is threatening to reverse the
global gains in malaria control1,2. Due to the increasing insecticide resistance in sub-Saharan Africa, pyrethroid-
based synergized next generation bednets were recently introduced in many African countries to overcome the
challenge of insecticide resistance. These nets contain synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) which inhibits the
activity of pyrethroid detoxifying cytochrome P450 enzymes by forming a metabolite-inhibitory complex with the
enzyme. However, little is known about how African malaria vectors respond to PBO exposure at the gene
transcription, biochemical and organismal level. It has been shown that in insecticide-sensitive Drosophila that
PBO is capable of inducing the expression of the P450 and GST detoxification gene families. The increased
production of P450 and GST enzymes by PBO exposure has the potential to increase insecticide tolerance. If
this is true to malaria vectors, the impact of PBO on insecticide resistance mitigation is limited. The central
objective of this continuation application is to better understand the ecology and genetics of insecticide
resistance in the face of pyrethroid synergized nets introduction in the major African malaria vectors in
western Kenya where we maintain selected pyrethroid resistant strains and PBO nets are being widely
distributed in some counties. To achieve this goal three aims are developed. In aim 1, we will examine the
impact of next-generation PBO bednets on vector bionomics and transmission reduction. Data from this will
inform the effectiveness of PBO nets in transmissio

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11394411
- **Project number:** 5R01AI123074-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF GHANA
- **Principal Investigator:** YAW ASARE AFRANE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** AI
- **Fiscal year:** 2026
- **Award amount:** $135,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-03-01T00:00:00 → 2028-02-29T00:00:00

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11394411

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11394411, Ecology and genetics of insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors (5R01AI123074-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-19 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11394411. Licensed CC0.

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