Mosquito Plasmodium Infection Laboratory

AIRID is in the process of developing a high-containment laboratory dedicated to the experimental infection of mosquitoes with human malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax). Once completed, this facility will enable controlled, reproducible studies essential for evaluating transmission-blocking interventions, malaria vaccine candidates, and antimalarial therapies.

Designed to meet biosafety level 2+ (BSL-2+) standards, the laboratory will operate under strict containment protocols and align with WHO and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines. It will be one of the few facilities of its kind in West Africa, offering advanced capacity for vector–parasite interaction studies and translational malaria research.

• Direct Membrane Feeding Assays (DMFA): Controlled mosquito infections using gametocyte-infected blood to assess transmission potential
• Direct Skin Feeding (DSF): In vivo infections under ethical approval to simulate natural transmission dynamics
• Oocyst and Sporozoite Detection: Quantification through dissection, microscopy, and molecular techniques (e.g., qPCR)
• Transmission-Blocking Intervention Evaluation: Testing of vaccines, drugs, and monoclonal antibodies for their ability to prevent mosquito infection
• Vector–Parasite Compatibility Studies: Investigation of infection thresholds, genetic susceptibility, and vector adaptation mechanisms

The lab will feature:

• Incubators and environmental chambers for parasite development and mosquito maintenance
• Membrane feeding stations with precision-controlled water baths
• Dissection and microscopy suites for specimen processing
• Parasite culture systems for gametocyte production
• Biosafety cabinets, PPE areas, and containment zones for infection control
• Real-time environmental monitoring and waste management systems for biosafety compliance

The development of this facility is a major step toward making AIRID a regional leader in malaria transmission research. Once operational, the laboratory will:

• Enable local evaluation of vaccine and drug candidates
• Support data generation for clinical trials and WHO policy guidance
• Strengthen Africa-led contributions to global malaria elimination strategies

By establishing this advanced capability, AIRID is building the foundation for high-impact research that will accelerate innovation and help close the gap between discovery and implementation.