MOLECULAR STUDIES OF INSECT VECTORS OF MALARIA

This chapter focuses on the molecular studies of insect vectors of malaria. The incidence of malaria is increasing because of the development of insecticide resistance by the mosquito vectors and by the appearance of drug resistance in the malaria parasite. These factors are exacerbated by migration of increasing numbers of people from nonendemic areas to regions where malaria is prevalent. Research over the past century has increased the understanding of the complex relationship among insect vectors, the parasite causing the disease, and the human host. Two applications of molecular biology are considered in relation to vector biology and malaria control. The first is the utilization of DNA probe technology to improve vector-identification techniques. The second is a completely revolutionary approach to malaria control through the genetic manipulation of anophelines, so as to disrupt the parasite transmission cycle. Many mosquito vectors are members of sibling species complexes. Sibling species are reproductively distinct but cannot be distinguished by morphological features alone and require alternative methods for identification. Despite the dramatic advances made recently with respect to genome manipulation in Drosophila melanogaster, there is an urgent need for a much greater understanding of the molecular biology of mosquito disease carriers. This must include an analysis of the complexity and organization of their genomes and an understanding of the distribution of coding and repetitive sequences. © 1994 Academic Press Limited