Vector Abundance and Genetic Diversity of <i>Anopheles</i> Mosquitoes Collected in a Laboratory-Office Complex in Vom, Nigeria: Implications for Vector Control.

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant threat in high-burden high-impact (HBHI) countries despite substantial investments in disease control. This highlights the need for more comprehensive and inclusive strategies to meet national and international targets. Although agricultural and poorly maintained environments are known for mosquito breeding, workplaces are rarely considered in conventional malaria control measures. In this pilot investigation, we assessed the presence of <i>Anopheles</i> spp. in a laboratory-office complex in Vom, Nigeria, to assess workplace malaria risk and its implications for control strategies. We conducted molecular barcoding on 74 <i>Anopheles</i> specimens targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (<i>cox1</i>). Our analyses identified <i>Anopheles funestus</i> (<i>n</i> = 29; 54.6%), <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> sensu lato (<i>n</i> = 17; 32.1%), and <i>Anopheles rufipes</i> (<i>n</i> = 6; 11.3%). Haplotype network analyses revealed 12, 8, and 6 distinct haplotypes for <i>A</i>. <i>funestus</i>, <i>A</i>. <i>gambiae</i>, and <i>A</i>. <i>rufipes</i>, respectively. Genetic divergence estimates for <i>cox1</i> sequences were ≤0.011% for <i>A. funestus</i>, ≤0.007% for <i>A. gambiae</i>, and ≤0.018% for <i>A. rufipes</i>. The detection of genetically diverse <i>Anopheles</i> vector species in an office setting underscores the potential risk of workplace malaria transmission. This pilot study provides initial evidence that workplace environments can harbor genetically diverse malaria vectors and should be considered in future surveillance and control strategies. We recommend subnational tailoring (SNT) of intervention strategies to incorporate workplace environments and public places into malaria control efforts.