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SDR
Workplans
 
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Rationale
Malaria, dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever, and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) are on the
increase. Although vector control methods are available to interrupt transmission of these
diseases, their effectiveness has been limited by logistics problems, development of resistance
to insecticides, and high cost. Novel, sustainable approaches to control are urgently needed.
Recent molecular
advances in the understanding of vector genetics and
vector-parasite/virus relationships have provided novel tools for
the study of disease transmission. Among these are germ-line
transformation of mosquitoes, detailed genetic and physical maps,
and molecular genetic markers for the identification of cryptic
species, detection of pathogens in vectors, gene flow studies, detection of insecticide resistance,
sequencing of vector genomes and identification of expressed sequence tags (ESTs). However, much work remains to be done to identify, at the molecular level, the role of insect vectors in disease transmission, and the mechanisms for interfering with vector competence. The ultimate goal is to use knowledge acquired by this programme to develop new strategies for the control of disease transmission.
At present, the Molecular Entomology Committee will support relevant proposals on all vectors of the malaria parasites
(Anopheles), dengue virus (Aedes), and HAT parasites (Glossina).
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