Alexandre Vernudachi

Animal Physiology

Research interests

PhD research thesis: Taste perception in Anopheles gambiae, the main vector of malaria in Africa

Malaria is one of the main causes of human mortality in the developing world, with 655,000 recorded deaths in 2010 (91% in Africa), the majority being children (86% of deaths). As there are currently no effective vaccines, control of the vector, Anopheles spp. mosquitoes, is the principal method of combatting the disease. Studying these insects to have a greater understanding of their biology will help us to develop and improve control techniques.

My research will concentrate on taste perception in Anopheles gambiae, the main vector of malaria in Africa, continuing the research conducted by Dr Sébastien Kessler on the physiological mechanisms implicated in sugar-feeding in this species. 

Previous research

L’Institut de Recherché pour le Développement (l’IRD), France.
Identification of insecticide-resistance mechanisms in the mosquito Aedes aegyptii in New Caledonia.

Teaching activities

Publications