A5014064873- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- Malaria Research and Control
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Synthesis and biological activity
- Insect Resistance and Genetics
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Insect Pest Control Strategies
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Invertebrate Immune Response Mechanisms
- Computational Drug Discovery Methods
University of the Witwatersrand
2018-2024
National Health Laboratory Service
2020-2024
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
2024
South African National Biodiversity Institute
2024
Accurate Anopheles species identification is key for effective malaria vector control. Identification primarily depends on morphological analysis of field samples as well molecular species-specific identifications. During an intra-laboratory assessment (proficiency testing) the funestus group multiplex PCR assay, it was noted that arabiensis can be misidentified leesoni, a zoophilic member An. group. The aim this project was, therefore, to ascertain whether other members gambiae complex also...
A novel diazaspiro[3.4]octane series was identified from a Plasmodium falciparum whole-cell high-throughput screening campaign. Hits displayed activity against multiple stages of the parasite lifecycle, which together with sp3-rich scaffold provided an attractive starting point for hit-to-lead medicinal chemistry optimization and biological profiling program. Structure-activity-relationship studies led to identification compounds that showed low nanomolar asexual blood-stage (<50 nM) strong...
Malaria incidence in South Africa is highest the three endemic provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The contribution to malaria transmission by several mosquito species, variation their resting behaviours low levels of insecticide resistance makes it necessary periodically monitor Anopheles species assemblages phenotypes vector populations. aim this study was therefore assess assemblage northern KwaZulu-Natal collect susceptibility data for An. arabiensis, primary that province....
Anopheles funestus has been recognized as a major malaria vector in Africa for over 100 years, but knowledge on many aspects of the biology this species is still lacking. funestus, with most other anophelines, mate through swarming. A key event that crucial An. male to genitalia rotation. This involves 135° 180° rotation claspers, which are tipped claws. physical change then enables grasp female during copulation. The aim investigation was molecularly characterize wild swarms from Zambia and...
Members of the Anopheles gambiae complex vary in their vector competence, and this is often attributed to behavioural differences. Similarly, there are differences transmission capabilities zoophilic members despite exhibiting similar behaviours. Therefore, alone cannot fully explain competence variation within An. complex. The immune system mosquitoes plays a key role determining susceptibility parasite infection consequently capacity. This study aimed examine variations response...