Asian malaria mosquito
An important vector of malaria in the Middle East and South Asia
Mosquito borne diseases, such as malaria, filariasis, and dengue, kill millions of people every year. Unfortunately, the most common method of controlling these important pests, insecticides, is becoming less effective as mosquitoes develop resistance.
We are interested in developing new strategies for controlling mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit. Specifically, we are attempting to understand the basic molecular mechanisms regulating reproduction, immunity, and lifespan in the mosquito. With this information we can develop better methods of controlling mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.
We are also interested in understanding the ecology of a potentially important vector of human disease in Southern Arizona, the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. This mosquito is an important vector of dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever and represents a possible risk for Arizona.