DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Targeting Thai-invasive malaria vectors by novel parasite metabolite bait trap

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Description

Malaria is an infectious disease that poses a significant threat to public health. It has a major impact on the mortality and morbidity rates of children under the age of five, as well as pregnant women, and it also reduces labour productivity. In Thailand, malaria remains a significant public health challenge, with varying prevalence across regions. This parasitic disease is transmitted by Plasmodium-infected Anopheles mosquitoes and continues to burden affected populations. Thailand has malaria-receptive Anopheles mosquito species. The current malaria control and elimination program in Thailand relies mainly on two vector intervention tools: long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), which use insecticides to mitigate malaria transmission. The emergence of Anopheles strains resistant to currently used insecticides pose a critical challenge to achieving malaria elimination by 2030 in Thailand. Therefore, vector control is an essential aspect of combating malaria transmitted by Anopheles. The metabolite HMBPP (E-4-Hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate), produced by the malaria parasite P. falciparum, has a significant impact on the host-seeking and blood-feeding behaviour of African malaria mosquitoes such asAnopheles gambiae complex, both in laboratory and field settings. Our research has demonstrated that HMBPP acts as a direct attractant and also triggers the release of a blend of volatile organic compounds from human blood, which serves as a powerful attractant. The discovery of HMBPP and its effects make it a promising candidate for the development of a targeted mosquito control tool. Since P. falciparum is the primary malaria parasite transmitted by Anopheles vectors in Thailand, we propose that bait traps containing HMBPP could serve as a novel vector control tool in the country. Therefore, the main purpose of this research proposal is to evaluate a novel, environmentally friendly parasite metabolite bait trap for mass trapping of Thai vectors in malaria-affected regions of Thailand. In this regard, a specific aim is to evaluate the behaviour and fitness of local Thai mosquito vectors after exposure to and feeding on blood containing HMBPP. Another aim is to determine the behaviour and death rates of Thai mosquito vectors using different natural based toxins in metabolite bait traps. Finally, the effects of the candidate metabolite bait trap will be assessed on vector population suppression in a semi-field setting in Thailand.

Objectives

Malaria is an infectious disease that poses a significant threat to public health. It has a major impact on the mortality and morbidity rates of children under the age of five, as well as pregnant women, and it also reduces labour productivity. In Thailand, malaria remains a significant public health challenge, with varying prevalence across regions. This parasitic disease is transmitted by Plasmodium-infected Anopheles mosquitoes and continues to burden affected populations. Thailand has malaria-receptive Anopheles mosquito species. The current malaria control and elimination program in Thailand relies mainly on two vector intervention tools: long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), which use insecticides to mitigate malaria transmission. The emergence of Anopheles strains resistant to currently used insecticides pose a critical challenge to achieving malaria elimination by 2030 in Thailand. Therefore, vector control is an essential aspect of combating malaria transmitted by Anopheles. The metabolite HMBPP (E-4-Hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate), produced by the malaria parasite P. falciparum, has a significant impact on the host-seeking and blood-feeding behaviour of African malaria mosquitoes such asAnopheles gambiae complex, both in laboratory and field settings. Our research has demonstrated that HMBPP acts as a direct attractant and also triggers the release of a blend of volatile organic compounds from human blood, which serves as a powerful attractant. The discovery of HMBPP and its effects make it a promising candidate for the development of a targeted mosquito control tool. Since P. falciparum is the primary malaria parasite transmitted by Anopheles vectors in Thailand, we propose that bait traps containing HMBPP could serve as a novel vector control tool in the country. Therefore, the main purpose of this research proposal is to evaluate a novel, environmentally friendly parasite metabolite bait trap for mass trapping of Thai vectors in malaria-affected regions of Thailand. In this regard, a specific aim is to evaluate the behaviour and fitness of local Thai mosquito vectors after exposure to and feeding on blood containing HMBPP. Another aim is to determine the behaviour and death rates of Thai mosquito vectors using different natural based toxins in metabolite bait traps. Finally, the effects of the candidate metabolite bait trap will be assessed on vector population suppression in a semi-field setting in Thailand.

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Location

The country, countries or regions that benefit from this Programme.

Thailand

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