Human-Vector-Plasmodium Interactions: Key Events and Their Exploitation as Targets for Malaria Prevention and Control

Malaria is caused by the protozoan parasite, Plasmodium and is transmitted to humans by the vector, Anopheles spp. The life cycle of malaria is divided between the vector and the human host. The human-vector interaction is such that the human host often attempts to avoid the nuisance and infective bites of the vectors while the Anopheles vectors constantly find new ways to evade human protection and control efforts. Several changes also happen to the parasites and the vector in a successful transmission cycle. The mosquitoes’ immunity launches defence towards the parasites, and the parasites also respond to this challenge. Only parasites that survive the mosquito's immune response become transmissible. Studies to understand these complex Human-Vector-Plasmodium interactions are required for the design of improved innovative malaria prevention and control strategies.This research topic intends to provide better understanding of the various aspects of Human-Anopheles-Plasmodium interactions. This will be done by aggregating recent well researched studies that provides a more robust understanding of the key events involved in the interactions for the purpose of developing improved strategies for malaria prevention and control. We aim to highlight 1. Studies on surveillance, risk based mapping and modelling of malaria parasite prevalence, genetic diversity, distribution, & transmission in different ecological settings2. Surveillance, species composition, and modelling studies to understand Anopheles vector species distribution, biology and behaviour before and/or after implementation of control measures in various ecological settings. This may include studies highlighting shifts in Anopheles species composition and breeding habits, shifts in mosquito feeding and resting behaviours, and mosquito behavioural avoidance of control measures. 3. Studies that investigate the impacts of ecological, biological and environmental conditions such as insecticide contact, insecticide resistance development on vector biology, vector distribution, vector competence, emergence of new vectors, and expansion of known vectors into newer territories. 4. Studies that explore how the parasite influences mosquito behaviour, including feeding and host-seeking habits.5. Mechanistic studies on vector competence of different Anopheles species, including the vector immune responses to Plasmodium infection and how parasites evade mosquito responses. 6. Changes in morphology, metabolism and genetics of both the parasites and vectors as the parasite develops and progresses through its life cycle within the vector.7. The impacts of parasite-vector interactions on mosquitoes' fitness and survival, insecticide resistance capabilities, longevity, reproduction, and vectorial capacity. 8. Transmission blocking studies that look to explore the use of microbiomes (bacteria, fungi, etc.), peptides and chemistries or transgenesis to block the successful development of the parasite in the mosquito and/or its subsequent transmission to the human host. 9. The use of newer innovative technologies to understand the biology of the parasite life cycle in mosquito vectors. These include next-generation sequencing, CRISPR-based genetic modifications, and high-resolution imaging of parasite migration, 10. Studies on human-vector interactions; human behavioural patterns including indigenous community knowledge, attitude and practices supporting or abating human-mosquito contact. These can also include human behavioural changes before and after interventions like ITN distribution, IRS/space spraying operations, larval control, behavioural change communication etc.). Studies on community ITN perception, ownership and utilization before and after ITN distribution, community IRS/LSM participation and perception before and after implementation may also be highlighted here. Topic editors: Abiodun Obembe, Arthur Sovi, Abdullahi Muhammad, Udoka Nwangwu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79050/human-vector-plasmodium-interactions-key-events-and-their-exploitation-as-targets-for-malaria-prevention-and-control