Registry Publications - The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium

This is a database of peer-reviewed literature that focuses on Genetic Biocontrol research. The latest are shown here.

Call for Subject Matter Experts

Invitation to Join as a Subject Matter Expert

The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium is seeking qualified and passionate subject matter experts to join our growing network dedicated to responsible innovation and the safe application of genetic biocontrol technologies across Africa.

About the Consortium

The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium brings together scientists, regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders with the shared goal of safeguarding African biodiversity and public health through effective biosafety measures for emerging genetic biocontrol methods.

Who We Are Looking For

Biosafety and Biosecurity professionals with experience research and training in genetic biocontrol, biotechnology, or related fields
Professionals in the field of environment with experience in environmental assessments (SEA,EIA/EA) for field trials related to genetic engineering/biocontrol, biotechnology, or related fields
Researchers and practitioners with expertise in environmental risk assessment, biorisk assessment, regulatory frameworks, or public health
Individuals committed to advancing biosafety, biosecurity, environment, public health, public engagement and related standards in Africa
Legal professionals with expertise in developing laws related to environmental, biotechnology, science and technology and related areas
Professionals in the field of science communication and public engagement

Role and Responsibilities

Contribute expertise to the review and development of guidelines, policies, regulations and procedures related to genetic biocontrol
Engage in collaborative research and risk assessment projects
Participate in capacity-building and training programs across the continent
Support the Consortium in policy dialogue and stakeholder outreach

Qualifications

Advanced degree in biosafety, biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, or science communication, legal and a related discipline
Proven track record in biosafety projects, regulatory, communication and public engagement processes
Demonstrated understanding of African genetic biocontrol research, public engagement and capacity building challenges and contexts
Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Remuneration, Financing and Resources

The Subject Matter Expert will execute a contract with the Consortium for each engagement and will be compensated with an honorarium. When participating in meetings organized by the Consortium, the Subject Matter Expert will be eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses and a daily subsistence allowance, both provided at rates established by the Consortium.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for joining the Consortium Subject Matter Experts. Please send your applications to genbio@genbioconsortium.africa with the subject line “Subject Matter Expert Application.”

The application deadline is October 31, 2025.

Join Us

Join an esteemed community of experts shaping the future of genetic biocontrol in Africa. Your expertise can make a difference!

Trends and cross-country inequalities in dengue, 1990–2021

DALYs burden decomposition highlighted population growth as the key driver of global burden, yet impacts differed across Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) quintiles. Dengue fever burden inequalities related to SDI have remained, with benefits shifting from poor to rich populations. Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model projections indicate stable incidence and prevalence ASRs, but declining DALYs and mortality ASRs, especially for females.

Zhou, M., He, Y., Wu, L., & Weng, K. (2025). Trends and cross-country inequalities in dengue, 1990–2021. PLOS One, 20(6), e0316694. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316694

Male-dependent resistance to Spiroplasma-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility

Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) caused by bacterial endosymbionts is an embryonic developmental failure between infected host males and uninfected females. Although even closely related hosts can have different CI phenotypes, little is known on the resistance mechanism in non-susceptible hosts. The parasitoid wasp species complex of Lariophagus distinguendus encompasses at least three species, termed clades A, B and C.

Pollmann, M., Reinisch, R., King, M. A., Geiselmann, M., Käppeler, M., Leibson, R., Traub, N., M Steidle, J. L., & Gottlieb, Y. (2025). Male-dependent resistance to Spiroplasma-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility. Royal Society Open Science, 12(6), 250545. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250545

Climate change and malaria control: a call to urgent action from Africa’s frontlines

In December 2024, L’Initiative-Expertise France organized a workshop in Musanze, Rwanda, for National Malaria Control and Elimination Programmes (NMC/EPs) representatives from 19 sub-Saharan African countries. The workshop focused on surveillance, modeling, climate forecasting, and innovative control methods to mitigate climate change impacts on malaria. Participants shared challenges, experiences and best practices. Key challenges highlighted include shifts in malaria transmission seasons, disease spread to mid-altitude regions, and infrastructure damage from extreme weather. Additional factors, such as drug and insecticide resistance, the spread of Anopheles stephensi, and changes in vector behaviour, are exacerbating malaria transmission in African cities. Participants stressed the need for collaborative efforts to tackle these evolving threats.

Caminade, C., Ayala, D., Ngou, O., Tchouatieu, A., Girond, F., Yahouedo, G. A., Merle, C. S., Pothin, E., Diouf, I., Hakizimana, E., Noseda, V., & Deuve, J. L. (2025). Climate change and malaria control: A call to urgent action from Africa’s frontlines. Malaria Journal, 24, 179. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-025-05431-5

The fast-evolving FIKK kinase family of Plasmodium falciparum can be inhibited by a single compound

Of 250 Plasmodium species, 6 infect humans, with P. falciparum causing over 95% of 600,000 annual malaria-related deaths. Its pathology arises from host cell remodelling driven by over 400 exported parasite proteins, including the FIKK kinase family. About one million years ago, a bird-infecting Plasmodium species crossed into great apes and a single non-exported FIKK kinase gained an export element. This led to a rapid expansion into 15–21 atypical, exported Ser/Thr effector kinases.

Belda, H., Bradley, D., Christodoulou, E. et al. The fast-evolving FIKK kinase family of Plasmodium falciparum can be inhibited by a single compound. Nat Microbiol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-02017-4

Suppression of Aedes mosquito populations with the boosted sterile insect technique in tropical and Mediterranean urban areas

Aedes mosquitoes are the vectors of dengue viruses and other arboviruses, which threaten billions of people all over the world. The boosted sterile insect technique (boosted SIT) is a version of SIT in which irradiated sterile males also transmit a biocide to immature stages.

Bouyer, J., Gil, D.A., Mora, I.P. et al. Suppression of Aedes mosquito populations with the boosted sterile insect technique in tropical and Mediterranean urban areas. Sci Rep 15, 17648 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02795-1

Prevalence of Anopheles stephensi in Horn of Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Anopheles stephensi has been a primary cause of malaria spread in urban areas. The World Health Organization announced a threat alert in 2019 that highlighted the An. stephensi outbreak in the Horn of Africa. Currently, there is insufficient information on the prevalence of An. stephensi. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of An. stephensi in Horn of Africa.

Abebe, W., Sisay, A., Mihret, Y., Setegn, A., Asmare, Z., Woldesenbet, D., Kassanew, B., Mekuanint, A., & Feleke, S. F. (2025). Prevalence of Anopheles stephensi in Horn of Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infectious Diseases, 25, 614. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-11022-1

The CABIM3, enriched space for the improvement of fruit flies used in the sterile insect technique, first approaches

The High Biosecurity House of the Mediterranean Fly in Metapa (CABIM3, in its Spanish acronym) is a space within the new Moscamed Mexico facility designed to select favorable traits that mitigate the negative effects of mass production while enhancing male competitiveness, ultimately increasing the efficiency of the sterile insect technique (SIT). The CABIM3 serves as an environmentally enriched space where insects, whose offspring will initiate the mass production process, are confined.

Arredondo, J., Pérez-Sarmiento, N., López-Arriaga, F., López, P., & Gómez-Pauza, R. J. (2025). The CABIM3, enriched space for the improvement of fruit flies used in the sterile insect technique, first approaches. Insect Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.70056

Nanofiber encapsulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the sustained release of mosquito larvicides

Despite the rising global incidence of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, existing vector control strategies remain inadequate for completely eliminating vectors from their breeding sites. This study aimed to encapsulate larvicide-producing bacteria in nanofibers designed to shield bacterial cells from environmental stress—mimicking natural biofilms—thereby enhancing their survival in aquatic habitats and prolonging larvicide production.

Mayilsamy, M., Vijayakumar, A., Veeramanoharan, R., G, G., & Rajaiah, P. (2025). Nanofiber encapsulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the sustained release of mosquito larvicides. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97400-w

Genome editing in the green alga Chlamydomonas: past, present practice and future prospects

The green alga Chlamydomonas is an important and versatile model organism for research topics ranging from photosynthesis and metabolism, cilia, and basal bodies to cellular communication and the cellular cycle and is of significant interest for green bioengineering processes. The genome in this unicellular green alga is contained in 17 haploid chromosomes and codes for 16 883 protein coding genes. Functional genomics, as well as biotechnological applications, rely on the ability to remove, add, and change these genes in a controlled and efficient manner.

Nievergelt, A. P. (2025). Genome editing in the green alga Chlamydomonas: Past, present practice and future prospects. The Plant Journal, 122(1), e70140. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.70140

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