Development of Artificial Blood for Mosquitoes

At the end of the 18-month study, the comparative data can be used for a decision about whether to proceed with one or more formulations, delivery platforms and whether to extend the work to include additional species and/or Wolbachia infection types. Specifically, beyond the Phase 1 work, we anticipate that Phase 2 work can focus on at least four areas: (1) By working with defined formulae, individual components can be adjusted, allowing individual components to be examined for an effect on Wolbachia. (2) Optimal formulae can be tested with additional Anopheles species, to better define the robustness and utility of the formulae. (3) The University of Kentucky maintains additional mosquito species, including Culex molestans, Culex quinquefasciatus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. atropalpus, which can be tested using artificial blood formulae and delivery platforms. Additional species can be acquired via: http://www.beiresources.org (4) The University of Kentucky maintains several additional Wolbachia types, including infections in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, which can be used to better define an effect of artificial blood components on Wolbachia transmission.