Impact of metabolic resistance to pyrethroids on the vectorial competence of the major African malaria vector Anopheles funestus

Mosquitoes that transmit malaria are becoming increasingly resistant to insecticides used to kill them. However, we still do not know if in addition to the ability to withstand insecticide exposures, resistance mechanisms also influence the capacity of mosquitoes to allow malaria parasites to develop in them, preventing to fully assess the damages that such resistance is causing to malaria control. Fortunately, new genetic tools have recently been designed allowing us to study the impact of a major resistance mechanism with greater details than possible before. Taking advantage of the availability of these new tools, I will establish whether resistance to insecticide is increasing or rather decreasing the risks of malaria transmission by resistant vectors in Central (Cameroon) and southern/Eastern Africa (Malawi/Tanzania). This project will benefit from the expertise I gained during my previous Wellcome Trust training fellowship, notably for key aspects such as conducting experimental infections of An. funestus mosquitoes.