Dossier
Malaria
Scientists of Wageningen University & Research are developing strategies to fight malaria by researching the transmitters (malaria mosquitos) and pathogen.
Malaria is caused by single-celled parasites of the genus Plasmodium that belong to the Sporozoa. The parasite is transmitted to humans via anopheles (malaria mosquitoes). The World Health Organization estimates that 435,000 people died of the infectious disease malaria in 2015.
The word malaria comes from the Italian phrase for 'bad air', mala aria, and refers to the overpowering smell in swamps. Before the plasmodium parasite was discovered, the disease was attributed to the air in wetlands and the disease was known as swamp fever.
News:
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Florian Muijres receives grant for in-swarm mating of malaria mosquitoes
- Florian Muijres has been awarded a prestigious grant to study what the mating dance of malaria mosquitoes in a swarm looks like. In this research,... -
New trap eliminates more malaria mosquitoes
- A new trap that emits heat and humidity catches over four times more malaria mosquitoes than previous traps. This is the result of research conducted... -
The fight against emerging vector-borne diseases
- For the past three days, scientist and policymakers from all over the world, came together to join forces in the fight against emerging vector-borne... -
Children with malaria emit specific odour that attracts more malaria mosquitoes
- Malaria parasites in the body of children with malaria enhance the production of some specific smells that are emitted through the skin. These smells... -
How a full malaria mosquito escapes its victim unnoticed
- Malaria mosquitos apply an ingenious technique to get away from their victims very quickly and very quietly. This technique involves beating their...
Researchers of Wageningen University & Research installed over 4,000 mosquito traps in all houses on the Kenyan island of Rusinga on World Malaria Day 2013. This was the launch of a 4 year campaign to completely eradicate malaria on the island without using insecticides. >> Read more
Projects:
Read more in the Dossiers:
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Mosquitoes
This Dossier will provide information on the news, background and results of research on mosquitoes. It will answer questions on where and how the... -
Diseases transferred by insects
Vector-borne diseases are diseases that are transferred via insects (a vector). This can, for example, occur between animals and humans.