Invasion genomics, adaptive evolution, and transcriptional plasticity of Anopheles stephensi in Ethiopia and Yemen : implications for malaria transmission and control.

The rapid expansion of Anopheles stephensi across the Horn of Africa represents a major shift in malaria transmission dynamics, particularly in urban environments. This dissertation investigates how ecological pressures, transcriptomic plasticity, and genomic adaptation shape the invasion success of this emerging vector and influence malaria control efforts. Multi-locus analyses reveal genetic interactions between An. stephensi and Plasmodium falciparum, highlighting evolutionary feedbacks within the transmission system. High-resolution whole-genome sequencing resolves population structure, connectivity, and recent demographic history, and identifies loci under positive selection associated with insecticide resistance and urban adaptation. Complementary larval RNA sequencing from Ethiopian populations demonstrates that local environmental conditions drive differential expression of genes involved in detoxification, immunity, metabolism, and stress tolerance. By integrating evolutionary genomics into vector surveillance, this work advances precision monitoring strategies and supports evolution-informed interventions essential for sustainable malaria control and long-term eradication efforts.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Gunarathna, Isuru, 1992-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Carter, Tamar.

• Anopheles stephensi.
• Adaptations.
• Ethiopia.
• Yemen.
• Population genomics.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14709

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14709