Recent BBC and Voice of America articles describe the work of Daniel Boakye and colleagues at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, who are using the technique of “DNA bar coding” in a project intended to improve control of the mosquito vectors of lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis).

Professor Boakye says, “The first objective was to look at the diversity in Anopheles gambiae varieties and then see how it can be related to the control of lymphatic filariasis globally.” The team will use the bar coding technique to analyse a segment of mosquito DNA, which they will then compare to a catalogue of samples to determine the exact identity of the species transmitting the disease. By isolating the population that serves as a vector for the disease, they hope to better prepare communities and governments to target the spread of the disease.

With the beginning of this study, Boakye says the technique is taking a large step towards usefulness in epidemiology. “It will move from the lab into looking at the usefulness of DNA bar coding in medical importance,” Boakye said.

He believes that successful implementation of the targeting process in fighting lymphatic filariasis could mean a reduction in the use of pesticides, and a more eco-friendly approach to fighting endemic diseases spread by insects. He also hopes the bar coding technology will have an impact in fighting other insect born diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, including malaria.

Results from the project will be presented in June at the e-Biosphere 2009 Conference to be held at the Natural History Museum, London.