How multiple blood meals affect virus transmission by mosquitoes
Official title: Implications of sequential bloodmeals on arbovirus transmission by mosquitoes
Funded at Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Sta · NIH-10814816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the eating habits of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which can spread diseases like dengue and Zika, affect their ability to carry and pass on viruses, helping us find better ways to protect communities from these illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Sta NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 12, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,927 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI148477-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10814816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals living in areas where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are prevalent and where arboviral infections are a concern.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions affected by Aedes aegypti or arboviral infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the feeding behavior of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are known to transmit diseases like dengue and Zika, influences their ability to carry and spread viruses. By studying the effects of multiple blood meals on these mosquitoes, the researchers aim to better understand the risks associated with arbovirus transmission in communities. The approach includes laboratory experiments where mosquitoes are exposed to infectious blood and their competency to transmit viruses is assessed over time. This research seeks to provide insights that could improve public health strategies against mosquito-borne diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective public health interventions to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that understanding mosquito feeding behavior can significantly impact our knowledge of virus transmission, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Sta
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brackney, Douglas E. — Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Sta
- Study coordinator: Brackney, Douglas E.
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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.