Scientist Who Gets Up to 500 Mosquito Bites a Week for Research Shares How She Avoids Diseases (Exclusive)

### Researcher at University of Melbourne Examines Mosquito-Borne Pathogens

Dr. Véronique Paris, an esteemed researcher at the University of Melbourne, is dedicated to the study of medical entomology, focusing primarily on the transmission of disease-causing pathogens from mosquitoes to their hosts. Her work holds significant implications for understanding and tackling the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

In her lab, Dr. Paris engages in a rather unique practice. The team regularly immerses their arms in containers housing approximately 250 mosquitoes, allowing them to feed. This hands-on approach is essential for her research, which involves tracking how these insects transmit pathogens. Dr. Paris often shares insights into her scientific routine on social media, where she boasts around 40,000 followers under the username @mozzienique, a clever blend of her name and the Australian colloquial term for mosquitoes.

The process is not without its risks, as highlighted by concerns expressed by her online audience regarding the potential health hazards of allowing mosquitoes to feed directly on human blood. Dr. Paris is acutely aware of these risks and ensures that safety precautions are strictly enforced to protect the researchers involved.

For female mosquitoes, which are the only gender that feeds on blood, a blood meal is essential for producing eggs. Most of the mosquito colonies maintained in Dr. Paris’s lab are bred in-house and are considered safe for feeding procedures. However, she explains that there are stricter protocols for colonies sourced from overseas, which may carry a slightly elevated risk of harbouring pathogens.

“When we collect these mosquitoes, especially as eggs from international locations, there is a minimal risk they could introduce pathogens,” Dr. Paris stated. “While this risk is relatively negligible, strict quarantine measures are in place for colonies that are non-native to Australia.” These measures include restrictions on blood feeding within quarantine facilities to ensure maximum biosecurity.

Many have inquired whether it is feasible to employ artificial methods for feeding the large numbers of mosquitoes used in laboratory settings. While some labs utilise a specially designed membrane feeding system, Dr. Paris asserts that using human arms remains the most efficient method available for her research team.

To further mitigate risks, Dr. Paris has established stringent protocols concerning blood feeding among her colleagues. “I will never cross-feed my colonies with a colleague. If I hatch mosquitoes and feed them, I am the only person who will do so until we collect the next set of eggs,” she explained, emphasising the importance of maintaining thorough control over mosquito colonies.

In addition to internal protocols, researchers who return from locations where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent must adhere to a detailed screening process. After returning from such trips, they are required to wait out the incubation period for any potential pathogens before returning to work and may also face additional screening.

Despite the inherent risks involved in their work, Dr. Paris and her team are committed to advancing understanding of how diseases are transmitted through mosquitoes. Their research is not only pioneering but also fosters a deeper understanding of public health challenges posed by these tiny yet impactful creatures.

Through her public outreach and meticulous research, Dr. Paris aims to raise awareness of the vital role that entomology plays in combating infectious diseases, ultimately contributing to strategies that may better protect global health in the future. The diligent work at the University of Melbourne shines a light on the nuanced relationship between humans and the insects that can carry significant health implications.