Project properties
Title Mosquitoes as syringes. Xeno-diagnosis with blood fed mosquitoes
Group Entomology, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-39
Supervisor(s) Dr. Sander Koenraadt
Examiner(s) Prof. dr. ir. M. Dicke
Contact info sander.koenraadt@wur.nl
Begin date 2019/01/01
End date 2024/12/31
Description Several traps are available to trap mosquitoes and thereby monitor vectors of diseases like malaria, dengue and Zika. However, these traps do not catch blood-fed mosquitoes. Blood-fed mosquitoes are especially interesting because by blood meal analysis it is possible to determine on which host they were feeding. Recently, we made an exciting discovery whereby traps baited with a novel odour blend can collect blood-fed mosquitoes. Fermenting molasses attracts these mosquitoes, however, we do not know how and why, which is the objective of this thesis. The student will work with a variety of behavioural setups and both artificial and natural odour blends.
In the laboratory, blood meals will be identified, and tests will be performed with mosquitoes that transmit malaria, West Nile virus and Zika virus. You will collaborate with colleagues from Bionanotechnology to develop novel detection devices that can be applied in the field.
Used skills Behavioural experiments, Molecular analysis (ELISA/PCR), volatile analysis, data-analysis, writing scientific report
Requirements For doing a BSc-thesis at Entomology, there are no requirements for specific courses.
For doing a MSc-thesis or internship at Entomology, the following requirements apply: ENT-30806 + a second ENT-course (preferably ENT-30306 or ENT-50806 or ENT-53806). As an alternative for the second ENT-course, PHP-30806 or BHE-30306 can be selected.
Note: these requirements do not apply for MBI students; MBI students should check the requirements for doing an ENT MSc-thesis or internship in the study programme of their specialisation.