African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 541–548

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/170541

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: CRISPR-based genomic surveillance of target-site mutations among Anopheles gambiae populations following localized gene-drive field trials in western Burkina Faso

Names of Authors: Moussa T. Diallo¹, Ousmane Z. Traore¹, Clarisse K. Sanon²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. ²Department of Entomology, Universite Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Abstract: The deployment of genetic vector control strategies requires real-time monitoring of target-site resistance. This study evaluated the emergence of micro-evolutionary sequence variations in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto populations following controlled, localized releases of self-limiting gene-drive constructs in western Burkina Faso. A total of 1500 wild-caught female vectors were collected across a 20-kilometer radius surrounding the release zones over a six-month period. High-throughput amplicon sequencing of the target locus within the female fertility gene fle was performed. Genomic analysis revealed a baseline target-site mutation frequency of 2.4 percent (n = 36), characterized predominantly by small non-functional insertions or deletions (indels) measuring between 1 to 5 base pairs. Bivariate modeling indicated that these target-site mutations did not confer fitness advantages or alter vector longevity under natural conditions. The entomological inoculation rate in the surveillance area remained suppressed at 3.1 infective bites per person per month, compared to a historical baseline of 18.4 infective bites per person per month (P < 0.001). Furthermore, multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays confirmed that the drive construct maintained high homing efficiency (94.8 percent) among heterozygous progeny. These empirical data demonstrate that while resistance alleles emerge at low rates, the operational integrity of the gene drive system remains stable, underscoring the validity of scale-up biosafety frameworks for malaria elimination in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Malaria vector, Gene drive, CRISPR-Cas9, Resistance monitoring, Next-generation sequencing, Burkina Faso

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 14 May 2026; Revised: 18 June 2026; Accepted: 10 July 2026; Published: 05 August 2026

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