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| Research Activity |
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| Current Research |
| 1. Molecular biology of insect vectors The study of vector biology at a molecular level using molecular techniques including gene cloning, creation of cDNA, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, various blotting techniques, RFLP analysis, and DNA sequencing. Three currently research areas of medical entomology are: |
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determination of species complexes among insect vectors and their population genetics to incriminate vector species; |
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Molecular differentiation of the morphologically cryptic species: morphological similar species such as Ae. niveus subgroup, Ae. Albopictus, An. sundaicus complex, Mansonia spp., An. barbirostris group and phlebotomine sandflies |
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Identifying insect vector species through DNA barcodes (648-bp stretch of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase-I) allowing taxonomists to quickly and accurately identify specimens. The specimens include mosquitoes, biting midges, flies, sandflies etc. |
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Population genetic structure of the mosquito vectors to determine molecular markers related to biting behaviour, vectorial capacity, and other characteristics of epidemiological importance |
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| 2. DNA banking of mosquito vectors of Thailand Thailand is facing a biodiversity loss owing to environmental changes in extensive magnitude. DNA banks have great potential as tools for biodiversity conservation by secure storage of genetic materials t o provide a ready source of material to insure their utility for future generations of researchers. Establishment of DNA banking of mosquito vectors is to collect mosquito samples for the purpose of supporting comparative molecular biology, for instance, phylogeny, population genetics and distribution of species complexes. |
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3. Geographic Information System (GIS) is seen primarily as a research tool in the field of vector-borne disease. Mapping efforts are conducted on geographic scales ranging from village to continental levels, and on temporal scales ranging from the duration of an outbreak to multi-year models. GIS serves as a common platform for convergence of multi-disease surveillance activities. Public health resources, specific diseases and other health events can be mapped in relation to their surrounding environment and existing health and social infrastructures. Such information when mapped together creates a powerful tool to analyze the evolution and distribution of parasites and their relationship to different ecological niches, and may dramatically improve our ability to quantify the disease impacts of climatic and ecological changes. However, the use of GIS in decision support has also become an area of growing interest.
GIS Maps of Brugian Filariasis in Narathiwat Province, southern Thailand. A study of Brugian filariasis in Narathiwat Province demonstrated how raster and vector data were used within a GIS framework to produce maps indicating areas of potential risk for filariasis transmission within peat-swamp forest. A risk map was generated by overlay operations of GIS, based on the attribute data distribution of residences of infected people and the boundary of the peat swamp forest conservation zone. The information included in the GIS maps can help identify where current information is lacking, or serve as a stimulus to collect new or additional data at a particular administrative level. |
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| 4. Develop Natural (Plants) Insect Repellents on the basis of cost-effectiveness and safe and finally develop practical applications for the promising formulations in the simplest way to reach the local populations for self protection against a wide variety of insect vectors including mosquitoes, cockroaches, bed bugs, ticks, and flies. |
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| Summary of the Current Researches |
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Technology transfer of research and development for essential oils of May Chang (Lisea cubeba), Qinghao (Artemisia annua) and Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) as mosquito repellents for control of mosquito-borne diseases to local communities of northern, southern and north-eastern Thailand |
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Population dynamics of dengue vectors and dengue-virus infection in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, in urban and suburban areas |
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Control of mosquito vectors of tropical infectious diseases in Thailand by the use of mosquito coils containing several pyrethroids and synergist, in the laboratory and in the field |
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Dengue virus detection in dark-and pale-form Aedes aegypti collected as immature stages from breeding sites |
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Dynamic and temporal structure of the troglobitic fauna of medically important insects and arthropods in caves of Kanchanaburi Province |
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Molecular identification of Anopheles sundaicus in natural breeding sources, the coastal area of Andaman and the Gulf of Thailand |
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Survey and study on geographical distribution of Aedes albopictus in Bangkok Metropolitan area |
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Field application of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (VectorBac, WDG) in the control of mosquito larvae in salt-marsh habitats in tsunami-affected areas, Phang-Nga Province, Thailand: monitoring by reduction in adult density |
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Novel methods for dengue prevention by vector control (DENCO) |
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Evaluation of natural plant extracts as mosquito repellents |
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Effect of heavy metal (Pb 2+, Cd 2+) on enzymes of Culex quinquefasciatus |
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Feeding behavior, ecological studies, and molecular indentification of Anopheles dirus complex in man-made habitat. |
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Comparative study knockdown resistance gene (kdr) in vector of Dengue haemorrhagic fever to permethrin. |
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Last updated: August 19, 2010 |
