Roadmap for Vector Transmission Control (VTC)

What are we trying to achieve and why? What is the problem we are trying to solve?

Gain a fuller understanding of vector feeding

What are the scientific and technological challenges (knowledge gaps needing to be addressed)?

Determining possible changes in components of vector saliva during feeding on the host
Determining if there are differences in the saliva of male and female ticks
Determining whether artificially collected saliva fully reflects what is secreted during vector feeding
Determining whether infected vectors feed more than uninfected vectors
Determining if pathogens acquired with blood meals kill vector if the vector immune system such as the TLRs are inactivated?

What approaches could/should be taken to address the research question?

Establish the constituents of vector saliva and how they aid feeding and influence pathogen uptake or survival in the vector
Improve understanding of the inflammatory response at vector feeding sites and how this affects uptake of blood meal

What else needs to be done before we can solve this need?

Improved understanding of vector physiology

Existing knowledge including successes and failures

At Washington State University they have established a very effective artificial feeding system for colony-maintained vectors and experimentation of drugs, chemicals and antibody effects on ticks