Targeting host seeking malaria mosquitoes using a trick evolved by their parasites

Malaria parasites circulating in human blood and transmitted to another individual through mosquito bites. These parasites especially gametocytes circulating in the blood generates metabolites (GCM), HMBPP, which acts as both phagostimulant (enhancing mosquito feeding), and volatile organic compound blend from human blood that attract mosquitoes. Although HMBPP has qualities needed for the development of novel attractant blend to mosquito for mass trapping, its attractiveness to wild African malaria vectors remain unclear.

Therefore, the purpose of this project is to confirm the attractiveness of HBMPP to dominant malaria vectors in Africa using Marathon Tunnel, and natural conditions in the field. Also, the project will confirm why malaria vectors are attracted to malaria patient in endemic settings using the quantity of volatiles exhaled or emitted by the individuals.

The findings of this project will increase our understanding of malaria parasite transmission, and contribute to the development of novel tools for attracting, trapping and killing malaria vectors to reduce transmission of disease in endemic settings.#