Behavioural and ecological determinants of gene flow in African malaria mosquitoes

Full Title Behavioural and ecological determinants of gene flow in African malaria mosquitoes.  Short Title VIDI  Project Leader Kija Ng'habi  Description Malaria ranks among Tanzania's most important public health problems.  Although the current impregnated bed nets are the leading vector control intervention in this and other African countries, and that have proved to be highly effective, additional novel control methods are desirable so that malaria burden can be reduced further still.  One such novel method arises from the recent development of genetically-modified mosquitoes carrying genes that limit and/or completely block their ability to transmit malaria.   The release of these mosquitoes into the wild could substantially reduce malaria transmission if released individuals are capable of surviving and successfully competing for mates in the presence of wild mosquitoes, thus spreading their refractory genes through natural populations.  Currently very little is known about the ecological and behavioural factors that influence mosquito mating ability and long-term survival under natural conditions; a deficit that hinders our ability to implement this strategy as it becomes available.  A central goal of this study is to investigate ecological, behavioural and genetic factors that determine gene flow in African malaria vectors under laboratory and semi-field conditions.  Collaborators Bart Knols                        University of Amsterdam                   Source of funding Royal Academy of Arts & Sciences (KNAW)  Start Date October 2007                       End Date     December 2011

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