Optimization of male-biased releases of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes for the prevention of Aedes-borne diseases

• Grant number: 24/19110-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: March 10, 2025
• End date: May 09, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
• Principal Investigator: Cláudia Pio Ferreira
• Grantee: Cláudia Pio Ferreira
• Visiting researcher: Olga Vasilieva
• Visiting researcher institution: Universidad Del Valle/Univalle, Colombia
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to develop and optimize mathematical models for male-biased releases of Wolbachia-carrying Aedes mosquitoes to control dengue and other arboviral diseases. Wolbachia, a symbiotic bacterium, is known to inhibit virus transmission in mosquitoes, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical vector control methods. The project focuses on designing dynamic optimization frameworks to minimize the number of released female mosquitoes, thereby reducing the potential risks associated with unintentional virus transmission and ecological disruption. The research will design and evaluate various release strategies by integrating mosquito population dynamics and environmental factors to determine the most effective methods for different ecological contexts. Two approaches (optimal control and metaheuristic optimization) may ensure that the developed strategies are not only efficient in reducing the global vector populations but also feasible in practice. The project's outcomes will provide critical insights for implementing large-scale Wolbachia-based vector control programs and contribute to global efforts in mitigating arboviral disease outbreaks. (AU)