Preserving a mosquito for DNA extraction

Vector Group

Head of Group: Professor MJ Lehane
Group Secretary: Mrs G M Finnegan

The Vector Group is composed of approximately 50 people working on the biology and control of the arthropods that transmit devastating diseases throughout the tropics. Currently the major emphasis in the group is on mosquitoes, tsetse flies and sandflies. Major topics currently under investigation include the molecular genetics and mechanisms of insecticide resistance (IVCC); population / evolutionary biology and ecology of malaria vectors; host parasite interactions between tsetse flies and trypanosomes, sandflies and Leishmania and mosquitoes and arbovirus; improvement in bait technology for tsetse fly control; ecology, behaviour and control of dengue and malaria vectors; molecular systematics and population genetics of malaria and other vectors. Laboratory research is complemented by field-based studies, including community-based interventions, in many areas. The group is also acting as a centre for genomic research on Anopheles gambiae, the most important disease vector of all. We are leading members of consortia driving genome projects on Glossina morsitans morsitans (Sanger Institute), sandflies and Culex pipiens/quinquefasciatus..

Vector Group Mission:
To improve the control of arthropod disease vectors through a more complete understanding of their biology. As a leading centre for vector research worldwide, our work encompasses the molecular genetics, genomics, systematics, ecology, evolutionary biology and behaviour of mosquitoes and other vectors. We aim to alleviate the burden of vector-borne diseases by:

improving the implementation of existing control measures, for example by studying the mechanisms of insecticide resistance or revealing vector species complexes;
advancing the search for novel vector control methods;
strengthening the capacity of disease-endemic nations in research and control, by training vector biologists in current laboratory and field techniques.