Understanding how infected mosquitoes spread malaria
Official title: Investigating the Mechanisms Underlying Mosquito Infectiousness in Malaria
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11109581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different factors affect how well mosquitoes spread malaria to people, which could help us find better ways to control and eliminate the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $309,086 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178535-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109581 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions who may be at risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in malaria-endemic areas or those who are not at risk of malaria infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that influence how effectively mosquitoes transmit malaria to humans. By studying the salivary glands of mosquitoes infected with malaria parasites, the researchers aim to identify differences in the quantity and quality of the parasites they carry. Using both rodent and human malaria models, the study will explore how varying levels of infection in mosquitoes affect their ability to initiate new infections. This could lead to new strategies for malaria control and elimination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for controlling malaria transmission and reducing the disease's impact on global health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding mosquito biology and infection mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in malaria control strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sinnis, Photini — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sinnis, Photini
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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.