Contribution of MALDI-TOF to the identification of Anopheles gambiae complexes in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Context and objective. Anopheles gambiae s.l remains

the main vector species responsible for malaria

transmission in the Democratic Republic of Congo

(DRC). The precise and rapid identification of this

species is crucial for adapting vector control

interventions. Matrix-assisted laser desorption-

ionisation -Time of Flight mass spectrometry

(MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a promising

technique for the identification of mosquito vectors

because of its accuracy and reproducibility. Methods.

This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in

Kinshasa, where Anopheles larvae were collected

between September 2021 and May 2022. After

rearing, adult specimens were morphologically

identified, followed by PCR techniques to

differentiate species of the Anopheles gambiae

complex. The samples were then analysed by

MALDI-TOF MS, using protein profiles for each

anatomical part to create a reference database for local

species. Results. Molecular analysis revealed a high

presence of An. gambiae (93%). MALDI-TOF MS

analysis showed high reproducibility of spectral

profiles, with a log score greater than 2 for 72% of

samples. Insect heads provided the best results in

terms of spectral quality. Cross-validation showed that

heads were the most reliable samples for species

identification, with a recognition score of 95.43%.

Conclusion. The MALDI-TOF MS technique proved

to be effective for the identification of Anopheles

mosquitoes in Kinshasa, with good spectral

reproducibility and accurate species identification.

Received: October 16th, 2024

Accepted: May 29th, 2025

https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v19i1.2