The overall aim of the project is to investigate the source and survival strategies of vector populations during the dry season and the impact of malaria transmission at sites representing 3 eco-zones across West Africa.

With focus on:

cryptic habitats as vector refuges during the dry season

Sugar is the main energy source of Anophelines, influences their longevity and fecundity, host seeking behavior and ultimately blood feeding and disease transmission.

Diurnal resting sites are a key element in Anopheles ecology their availability and quality decides about daily survival rates.

Anophelines must be older than 2 weeks to be able to transmit malaria parasites.



AIM
AIM #1: Investigate the genetic diversity of P. falciparum in Malian communities living in different malaria endemic areas, and its relation with disease outcome.
AIM #2: Monitor P. falciparum gametocytes using molecular approaches in different epidemiological settings of malaria transmission in Mali.
AIM #3a: Assess the host genetic variability and antimalarial molecular markers of resistance in Malian populations living in areas of distinct transmission patterns and compare to parasite genetic diversity.
AIM #4: Compare gametocyte prevalence by age group, taking into account asexual parasite prevalence, season, and RBC polymorphisms in Malian communities living in different malaria endemic areas, and its relation with disease outcome.