Tracking human contact with malaria-carrying mosquitoes in Africa
Official title: Serological Biomarkers for Monitoring Human-Vector Contact by Invasive Anopheles stephensi in Africa
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11023113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to check if people have been in contact with the Anopheles stephensi mosquito, which spreads malaria in cities in Africa, by testing their blood for specific antibodies, to help improve how we track and control these mosquitoes in places like Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | February 2, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $190,363 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178440-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in urban areas of Africa where Anopheles stephensi is prevalent and who may be at risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in regions without the presence of Anopheles stephensi or those who are not at risk of malaria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing sensitive serological methods to monitor human contact with the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito, which is a significant malaria vector in urban Africa. By measuring the antibody responses to mosquito salivary proteins, the study aims to improve the detection and control of this mosquito species, which has been spreading in regions like Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. The approach seeks to enhance current surveillance methods that are often inadequate in urban environments due to factors like light pollution and low mosquito abundance. This innovative method could provide critical data for malaria control efforts in affected areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring and control of malaria transmission in urban Africa, ultimately reducing malaria cases and improving public health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using serological methods for vector monitoring, indicating that this approach could be effective in enhancing malaria control efforts.
Where this research is happening
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University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Guiyun — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Yan, Guiyun
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.