Self-treatment using nectar of infected mosquito Anopheles gambiae with Plasmodium falciparum in Tiassalé (Southern Côte d’Ivoire)

Globally malaria is one of the high burden diseases particularly in developing countries (Girum & al., 2019). Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is the major components for vector control. Howether, mosquito resists to die in contact with ITNs, hindering malaria control (Mulatier & al., 2019). Thus, new approaches of malaria vector control are needed. Malaria, is a disease

whose parasite is transmitted to humans via the bite of a mosquito. Mosquito consumes sugar mainly from the nectar to perform all its vital functions (Stone et al., 2012). But there is little research on integrated sugar sources for malaria control.

The thesis Project focuses on the innovative idea that mosquito Anopheles gambiae that is infected by malaria can self-treat by feeding on nectar from plants.

The study research questions are : (i) how the nectar of several plants growing in Côte d’Ivoire has an effect on parasite development witnin mosquito, (ii) How mosquito can self-treat by feeding in appropriate sugar sources (iii) to determine effects of nectar plant feeding on mosquito development.

This project will provide plants plantation like a promising complementary strategy that will contribute to the eradication of malaria. The study model can also be adapted to other vectorborne diseases such as dengue, chinkugunya, etc., contributing to the improvement of public health. The lab of Ecology and Epidemiology of Parasites (host lab) focuses about the evolutionary ecology of parasites and mosquitoes, principally to control malaria.