Improving how we measure mosquito blood-feeding rates to understand disease spread
Official title: Advancing mosquito blood-feeding rate quantification using micro-CT imaging: an innovative tool for vector-borne disease transmission studies
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11214973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to see how often Aedes aegypti mosquitoes bite for blood, which is important for understanding how diseases like dengue and chikungunya spread, and it uses special imaging technology to make this easier and more accurate.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $135,107 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI193462-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11214973 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 of infection from Aedes aegypti.
✕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 focuses on developing a new method to accurately measure how often mosquitoes feed on blood, which is crucial for understanding the spread of diseases they carry. By using advanced imaging technology called micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), the researchers aim to visualize and quantify the blood-feeding behavior of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, a major vector for diseases like dengue and chikungunya. This innovative approach seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional methods that are often labor-intensive and less reliable. The goal is to provide better data on mosquito behavior, which can help predict disease transmission and inform public health strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved predictions of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and more effective public health interventions.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of micro-CT imaging in this context is innovative, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other fields, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thongsripong, Panpim — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Thongsripong, Panpim
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.