Using Wolbachia bacteria to control malaria spread
Official title: Exploring Wolbachia for malaria control
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11019789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special bacteria called Wolbachia can help stop the spread of malaria by changing certain mosquitoes, and it's for anyone interested in finding new ways to fight this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $762,034 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182096-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019789 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic areas, particularly those over 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in malaria-endemic regions or those who are not affected by malaria will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Wolbachia bacteria to reduce malaria transmission by modifying Anopheles mosquitoes. The approach involves creating new strains of these mosquitoes that are infected with Wolbachia, which has shown potential in blocking the malaria parasite. The study will explore how environmental factors and mosquito genetics affect the effectiveness of this method. By developing these modified mosquitoes, the research aims to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution to combat malaria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce malaria transmission, improving public health outcomes in affected regions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using Wolbachia for controlling arboviruses, indicating potential for similar success in malaria control.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xi, Zhiyong — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Xi, Zhiyong
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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.