Project ARISE: Innovative vector control strategies for sustainable control of malaria and dengue mosquito vectors

Project title:
ARISE Project: Innovative vector control strategies using entomopathogenic fungi for sustainable control of malaria and dengue mosquito vectors.

Principal investigator :
Dr Etienne BILGO
Research Manager
bilgo02@yahoo.fr

Innovative and complementary vector control methods and strategies are urgently needed to combat malaria, dengue fever and other vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Africa.
In Burkina Faso, we have recently characterized local strains of entomopathogenic fungi(Metarhizium pingshaense) which have shown unprecedented virulence and entomopathogenicity against mosquitoes. These results lay the foundations for innovative strategies involving the use of fungi for the safe and reliable control of MTV.
However, several fundamental and applied questions remain regarding the practical use of these fungi in vector control. In the course of this research project, we are addressing four main questions:

 1) What are the molecular, biochemical and physiological bases governing fungal infection in mosquitoes?

 2) Can these fungal strains be used in synergy with current vector control tools (i.e. chemical insecticides)? 

3) Could Metarhizum strains be combined with other emerging vector control strategies, such as Wolbachia for dengue virus control?

4) Finally, what are the expectations and concerns of local communities regarding mushroom-based strategies to combat malaria and dengue fever?

Using a combination of classical and novel approaches, we will investigate the practical utility of one or more strains of Metarhizium from Burkina in malaria and dengue vector control.

The ultimate aim of this research project is to develop local isolates of entomopathogenic fungi, which will become part of the arsenal of vector control tools over the next few years. Finally, the ARISE project will also help train at least three PhD students and six masters students in emerging biotechnologies for vector control.