My research focuses on the virus-mosquito and mosquito-host interactions. Now, I have my own research group and I am passionate about research, teaching and mentorship.
I study how different mosquito-borne viruses are able to be transmitted within the mosquito and their subsequent spread to respective hosts. This involves determining how good the virus is in infecting and be transmitted from that mosquito to a susceptible host. This could for instance depend on the gut flora of the mosquito. I also investigate the maintenance of virus in nature by amplifying hosts for example birds, humans and livestock. The data gained from this study provides useful information for understanding the epidemiology, prevention, and control of mosquito-borne diseases.
In Sweden, I am investigating the capability of native Swedish mosquitoes to transmit potentially emerging viruses for example West Nile virus, whose amplifying hosts are birds. To achieve this, I am currently studying virus infections in mosquitoes and birds in Sweden. I am also performing experimental infection and determining whether wild-caught native Culex mosquitoes in Sweden can transmit these viruses. The results will be applicable in targeted vector control not only in Sweden but also in other countries.
