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Tampa, FL — In a groundbreaking initiative to combat malaria in Africa, researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize mosquito surveillance. Led by Ryan Carney, professor of integrative biology, and Sriram Chellappan, professor in the department of computer science and engineering, the interdisciplinary team aims to advance malaria research and develop innovative solutions to target malaria-infected mosquitoes in real-time.
This ambitious project, known as EMERGENTS (Enhancing Malaria Epidemiology Research through Genomics and Translational Systems), has received a substantial boost with a $3.6 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. The initiative will establish the International Center for Excellence for Malaria Research in west-central Africa, leveraging local expertise in Nigeria and Cameroon.
“Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with Africa bearing the brunt of its impact,” said Carney. According to the World Health Organization, Africa accounted for 95% of global malaria deaths in 2022, underscoring the urgent need for effective surveillance and intervention strategies.
Over the next five years, the EMERGENTS center will focus on developing evidence-based strategies for malaria eradication, including training a new cadre of African scientists, studying insecticide resistance, and monitoring the geographic spread of Anopheles stephensi, a particularly dangerous urban malaria vector recently identified in Africa.
Central to the project’s success are innovative technologies like the Mosquito Dashboard (mosquitodashboard.org), developed by Carney and Chellappan with previous funding from the National Science Foundation. This online platform integrates real-time data from citizen scientists worldwide, enabling researchers and public health officials to monitor mosquito populations and disease transmission patterns effectively.
“We’ve developed AI-driven tools that can identify mosquito species from photos uploaded by citizen scientists,” explained Chellappan. “This technology is pivotal for early detection and targeted surveillance of malaria vectors like Anopheles stephensi.”
A key component of their approach is an AI-enabled smart trap designed to lure, capture, and identify Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes automatically. “This smart trap represents a significant leap forward in mosquito surveillance,” Chellappan added. “Its deployment across west-central Africa will enhance our ability to monitor and control malaria vectors in real-time.”
Building on successful pilot programs in Ethiopia and Madagascar, where citizen science initiatives have already demonstrated the efficacy of their approach, Carney and Chellappan plan to expand their AI algorithms to include additional mosquito species. This expansion is critical as they prepare to confront emerging threats like Anopheles stephensi.
“While Anopheles stephensi has not yet been detected in the United States, Florida’s climate and international travel connections make it vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases,” noted Carney. “Our research not only strengthens global efforts against malaria but also enhances our preparedness for potential threats closer to home.”
Looking ahead, Chellappan envisions making their AI-powered traps available at an affordable price to communities worldwide, empowering local efforts in mosquito surveillance and disease prevention. “By democratizing access to advanced technology, we can amplify the impact of community-led initiatives in controlling vector-borne diseases,” he emphasized.
The EMERGENTS project represents a significant stride towards global malaria control, leveraging AI and interdisciplinary collaboration to safeguard communities against this deadly disease. As the research unfolds, USF’s pioneering efforts promise to reshape the landscape of mosquito surveillance and public health strategies worldwide.
