Last Updated: 29/07/2024

A rapid field test for detecting infected mosquitoes

Objectives

To develop a simple diagnostic test that can be used in the field to rapidly identify mosquitoes infected with pathogens such as the malaria parasite and dengue virus.

Principal Investigators / Focal Persons

Joanne Macdonald

Rationale and Abstract

Traditional methods require costly equipment and a laboratory setting. The test combines recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with a lateral flow strip and can detect DNA from multiple pathogens in parallel, which will reduce costs. They will first perform a proof-of-concept study using laboratory-infected mosquitoes to evaluate the test and develop smart-phone software to translate the results. They will then perform field trials in Cairns to evaluate if their test can detect single infected mosquitoes placed in field traps containing uninfected insects.

Themes

Diagnostics

Date

Nov 2015 — May 2018

Total Project Funding

$100,000

Funding Details
Gates Foundation (GF), United States

Grand Challenges Explorations. Surveillance Tools, Diagnostics and an Artificial Diet to Support New Approaches to Vector Control (Round 15)
Grant ID: OPP1140133
Country / Project Site(s)

Australia

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