Why bed nets are becoming less effective against malaria mosquitoes in Africa
Official title: Ecology and genetics of insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors
Funded at University of Ghana · NIH-11394411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how next-generation bed nets containing PBO affect mosquitoes’ biology and resistance so families in sub-Saharan Africa stay protected from malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Ghana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Legon, Ghana) |
| Project start | March 1, 2016 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $135,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI123074-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living in malaria-prone areas of sub-Saharan Africa who sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets, especially children and household caregivers, are the most relevant community members for this work.
✕Less likely to help
People who live outside malaria-endemic regions or who need immediate medical treatment for malaria will not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project collects malaria mosquitoes from communities in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa and tests how exposure to PBO-containing bed nets changes their genes, enzymes, and survival. Scientists measure gene activity and detoxifying enzyme levels, and run lab and field assays to see whether PBO makes mosquitoes more or less tolerant to insecticides. The team combines ecological observations (where and when mosquitoes bite and rest) with genetic and biochemical tests to connect mosquito behavior to resistance mechanisms. Results will guide how bed nets and other control tools are used in real communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help keep bed nets effective and reduce malaria cases, especially among children in affected areas.
How similar studies have gone: Some field trials have shown PBO nets can improve protection where resistance is moderate, but the detailed genetic and biochemical responses of African malaria mosquitoes to PBO are not well understood, making this partly novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Ghana
Legon, Ghana Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Afrane, Yaw Asare — University of Ghana
- Study coordinator: Afrane, Yaw Asare
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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.