How bacteria in mosquitoes affect their life traits
Official title: The effect of the microbiota on male Aedes aegypti life history traits
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10745338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how bacteria in male mosquitoes can affect their size, lifespan, and ability to find mates, with the goal of finding better ways to control mosquito populations and reduce the spread of diseases they carry.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 22, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174093-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10745338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, particularly those at risk for dengue and Zika virus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are prevalent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bacteria found in male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and how these microorganisms influence important traits such as longevity, body size, and mating competitiveness. By understanding the microbiota's impact on these traits, researchers aim to improve methods for controlling mosquito populations, particularly through a technique called sterile insect technique (SIT). This involves breeding sterile male mosquitoes in a lab and releasing them to mate with wild females, ultimately reducing the mosquito population and the diseases they transmit. The study will also explore how these bacteria affect the genetic expression in male mosquitoes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for controlling mosquito populations and reducing the transmission of diseases like dengue and Zika.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of microbiota in insects has been studied, this specific investigation into male mosquito fitness traits is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Short, Sarah M — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Short, Sarah M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.