Dr Billy TENE FOSSOG

Background

Dr. Billy Tene is a seasoned molecular entomologist with over 15 years of experience in vector control research, entomological surveillance, and molecular diagnostics, particularly in the context of malaria and arboviral diseases across Africa.Current RoleRegional Senior Molecular Entomology Specialist, Abt Associates / PMI Evolve (USAID Project) (Dec 2024 – Feb 2025): Dr. Tene serves as the country coordinator, overseeing molecular laboratory activities and field entomology. He provides technical backstopping to ten African countries, delivering training on advanced techniques for insecticide resistance testing and genetic analysis.Previous PositionsTeam Leader, PMI VectorLink / Evolve Project (Since March 2019): Led entomological monitoring in Cameroon, focusing on vector bionomics and insecticide resistance in sentinel sites.Principal Investigator, PIIVeC / LSTM (June 2018 – June 2022): Investigated insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae and An. coluzzii, identifying metabolic resistance gene mutations and developing rapid DNA-based diagnostic tools.Malaria Entomologist, NMCP / Ministry of Health, Cameroon (June 2018): Updated the national entomological profile of malaria, with a focus on insecticide resistance.Postdoctoral Researcher, OCEAC & LSTM Lab, Yaoundé (Jan 2017 – May 2018): Developed research projects on malaria and arboviral vectors, supervised graduate students, and published findings in international journals.WHO Consultant, Guinea-Bissau & Angola (2016): Assessed Zika and yellow fever vector risks, provided technical guidance, and advised on surveillance and control strategies.Postdoctoral Fellow, CIRMF, Gabon (Jan 2015 – June 2016): Studied urban malaria vectors and their breeding sites, managed insectarium operations, and trained students in molecular techniques.PhD Student, OCEAC, Cameroon (Jan 2010 – Sep 2014): Researched urbanization’s impact on malaria vector dynamics and insecticide resistance mechanisms in Yaoundé.Key ProjectsAMF-Funded Project (2022–2023): Conducted molecular analysis and data management of malaria vector samples from four LLIN distribution sites in Chad.GCRF/PIIVeC Project (2018–2022): Focused on detecting genetic markers linked to metabolic resistance in malaria vectors, particularly Cyp450 genes.

Research:

Molecular Mechanisms of Insecticide ResistanceDr. Tene’s research has extensively focused on uncovering the genetic basis of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors, particularly Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii. His work under the PIIVeC initiative involved identifying mutations in metabolic resistance genes, especially within the cytochrome P450 family (Cyp450s), which are known to mediate detoxification processes in mosquitoes. He has developed and validated DNA-based molecular diagnostic assays to rapidly detect these mutations, contributing to more efficient resistance monitoring and management strategies.Vector Surveillance and BionomicsThroughout his career, Dr. Tene has led entomological monitoring efforts across Cameroon and other African countries. His work includes collecting and analyzing vector bionomics data—such as species distribution, breeding site characteristics, and seasonal dynamics—to inform malaria control programs. He has also contributed to updating national entomological profiles and assessing vector behavior in urban and rural settings, providing critical insights into transmission risks and intervention effectiveness.Field and Laboratory Capacity BuildingDr. Tene has played a pivotal role in strengthening entomological research capacity across Africa. As a regional specialist with PMI Evolve, he has trained teams in ten countries on advanced molecular techniques and insecticide resistance testing protocols. His mentorship of MSc and PhD students, along with his management of insectaries and molecular labs, reflects his commitment to sustainable scientific development and knowledge transfer in the region.Arboviral Vector Research and Emergency ResponseBeyond malaria, Dr. Tene has contributed to the surveillance and control of arboviral disease vectors, including those responsible for Zika and yellow fever outbreaks. As a WHO consultant, he assessed vector presence and transmission risks in Guinea-Bissau and Angola, offering technical guidance during public health emergencies. His work emphasized the importance of entomological indicators in outbreak preparedness and response.

Dr. Billy Tene has authored over 25 scientific publications, with his most recent work being:

1. G. Fotso-Toguem, Tene-Fossog B., Mugenzi Leon M. J., Wondji Murielle J., Njiokou Flobert, H. Ranson, and C. S. Wondji. 2022. Genetic Diversity of Cytochrome P450s CYP6M2 and CYP6P4 Associated with Pyrethroid Resistance in the Major Malaria Vectors Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae from Yaounde, Cameroon. GENES, 14, 1: 52. DOI: 10.3390/genes14010052. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36672793/
2. Tene-Fossog, B., Y. G. Fotso-Toguem, N. Amvongo-Adjia, H. Ranson, and C. S. Wondji. 2022. Temporal variation of high-level pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiael. in Yaoundé, Cameroon, is mediated by target-site and metabolic resistance. Med. Vet. Entomol. DOI: 10.1111/mve.12577. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35521949/
3. Efa, S.; Elanga-Ndille, E.; Poumachu, Y.; Tene, B.; Mikande, J.Z.; Zakariaou, N.; Wondji, C.S.; Ndo, C. Insecticide Resistance Profile and Mechanisms in An. gambiae s.l. from Ebolowa, South Cameroon. Insects, 13, 1133. DOI: 10.3390/insects13121133. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36555042/
4. Bienvenu Feudjio-Dongmo, Guy Benoît Lekeufack-Folefack, Billy Tene-Fossog, Abraham Fomena, Charles S. Wondji, Violetta M. Yurakhno, Suliman Alomar, and Lamjed Mansour 2022. Myxobolus makombensis sp. infection in African carp Labeobarbus batesii from Makombè River, Cameroon: morphological and molecular characterization. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 0177-5103, DOI: 10.3354/dao03691. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36173118/
5. Binyang, A. J., E. Elanga-Ndille, Tene-Fossog, C. Ndo, L. Nouage, T. Assatse, Y. Fotso-Toguem, R. Tabue, F. Zeukeng, D. N. Nguiffo, J. Etang, F. Njiokou, and C. S. Wondji. 2022. Distribution of acetylcholinesterase (Ace-1R) target-site G119S mutation and resistance to carbamates and organophosphates in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato populations from Cameroon. Parasites & Vectors 15: 53, DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05174-1. https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-022-05174-1 

    Honours and awards ▪ University grant given to the best 10 Bachelor’s students of each series of Yaoundé I University, price by the Ministry of Higher Education, Cameroon in 2002.▪ Appreciation letter by the Principal of the “Lycee General Leclerc” for integration of Computer sciences into the teaching of biology in high school classes, 2006 academic year.▪ Travel award to the 59th ASTMH Annual Meeting, November 3–7, 2010 Atlanta, Georgia USA.Travel award to the 6th MIM PAN-AFRICAN MALARIA CONFERENCE, Durban, SOUTH AFRICA

Areas of interest:
Molecular EntomologyVector Control & SurveillanceInsecticide Resistance MechanismsMalaria Vector GeneticsMetabolic Resistance (Cyp450 genes) 

Professional Memberships
WHO  Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG): ObserverPAMCA Mosquito control association: MemberAMCA American mosquito control association: MemberPAMCA Cameroon branch: Founding memberAMMnet Cameroon : Member 

Past PhD students supervised
Dr. Yvan Fotso-Toguem

Publications