How temperature affects the spread of viruses by mosquitoes
Official title: Modeling the influence of temperature on the evolution of vector-virus interactions
Funded at Wadsworth Center · NIH-11011425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how warmer weather affects the way mosquitoes spread the West Nile virus, helping us understand how temperature changes can influence the virus's growth and transmission among mosquitoes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wadsworth Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Menands, United States) |
| Project start | February 3, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $470,383 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168097-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011425 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 affected by mosquito-borne diseases, particularly those at risk for West Nile virus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions where mosquito-borne viruses are prevalent may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how warmer temperatures influence the interactions between viruses and their mosquito vectors, particularly focusing on the West Nile virus. By modeling these interactions, the study aims to understand how temperature affects viral replication and transmission dynamics in mosquito populations. The approach includes analyzing the biological responses of mosquitoes to temperature changes and how these responses impact virus spread. This research seeks to fill gaps in current predictive models of virus transmission, which often overlook the dynamic nature of biological systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved predictions of virus outbreaks and better public health responses to arboviral diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental factors significantly influence vector-borne disease dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Wadsworth Center
Menands, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ciota, Alexander Timothy — Wadsworth Center
- Study coordinator: Ciota, Alexander Timothy
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.