Scientist Withstands Up to 500 Mosquito Bites a Day as Part of Research Process, Says It’s ‘Easiest,’ ‘Least Expensive’ Way for Them to Feed (Exclusive)

Dr. Véronique Paris, a specialist in medical entomology at the University of Melbourne, is on a mission to delve into the complex world of mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit. Her work primarily focuses on understanding how these insects acquire and carry pathogens that can negatively affect human health. Despite the daunting prospect of sustaining hundreds of mosquito bites each week, Paris views this as a crucial aspect of her research.

Based in the university’s Pest & Environmental Adaptation Research group, Dr. Paris investigates the mechanisms behind mosquito-borne diseases, including Buruli ulcer, Ross River virus, Balma forest virus, and Japanese encephalitis. “Often, the conversation about disease focuses solely on how to prevent human illness,” she explains. “My research digs into what happens before that point—understanding how mosquitoes act as vectors for these diseases.”

Dr. Paris notes that Buruli ulcer, a slow-progressing bacterial infection, is particularly relevant to her work. This condition is caused by a bacterium transmitted by Australian mosquito species. In her laboratory, she maintains colonies of laboratory-raised mosquitoes, which are free from the pathogens linked to her studies. Volunteers, including herself, participate in feeding these mosquitoes, an essential practice for their life cycle.

Feeding mosquitoes directly from an arm may seem unappealing; however, Dr. Paris embraces this task, finding it necessary for her research. “The most time-efficient and cost-effective method is to feed them on ourselves,” she states. While some colonies are ‘not safe’ for feeding due to safety protocols, the laboratory employs a regulated membrane system for those mosquitoes that cannot be fed by humans.

The feeding sessions occur weekly, duration spanning about three weeks, and can involve as many as 250 mosquitoes per cage, leading to an impressive tally of bites. On peak days, Dr. Paris recounts receiving between 250 and 500 bites. After just a few hours, the marks typically lessen to mere red dots, a testament to her body’s quick adjustment to the bites.

Her unique research practice has garnered significant attention on social media, with numerous viral videos showcasing her work and her encounters with mosquitoes. Many viewers express disbelief at the sight of her working with so many insects. Some offer their admiration or even express a desire to contribute to her research by volunteering their own blood.

Explaining the motivation behind her self-imposed itchiness, Dr. Paris highlights the aim of her research: uncovering how ecological factors influence mosquito behaviour and their ability to transmit diseases. “A major part of this project is to recognise the conditions that allow mosquitoes to thrive,” she elaborates. This encompasses various aspects, from temperature tolerance to water quality.

Additionally, Dr. Paris has conducted extensive genomic studies on mosquito populations across Australia, examining how different colonies interact with one another. This investigation has revealed isolated populations, allowing her to examine potential variations in their breeding habits and environmental tolerances.

In an effort to demystify her work and engage the public, Dr. Paris began sharing insights and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her research on social media platforms. Her aim is to bridge the gap between scientists and the general populace, tackling misconceptions about the significance of her work. “Many people struggle to see the value in this type of research, which often leads to scepticism about scientific funding,” she notes.

Throughout her outreach, Dr. Paris encourages her followers to explore reputable science communicators to help foster a better understanding of scientific topics. “I want to create a community that appreciates and trusts scientific information,” she says. Her push to promote scientific literacy becomes even more crucial in an age where misinformation can easily proliferate online.

Dr. Véronique Paris remains committed to her groundbreaking research while simultaneously advocating for a greater public appreciation of scientific endeavors. By voluntarily enduring the challenge of mosquito bites, she is not only advancing our knowledge of disease transmission but also encouraging a more informed dialogue about the importance of science in addressing health challenges.