"In order to successfully slow the transmission rate of these potentially fatal diseases, we need to reduce the lifespan of the vector, or block them from becoming infected in the first place," said Professor Brian Foy of Colorado State University. "One of our goals is to curtail the spread of mosquito-borne diseases through strategic use of compounds, known as endectocides, to target hosts. This new strategy will make blood meals from humans lethal to mosquitoes so they die before they can transmit a disease."

Endectocides -- systemically administered parasiticides -- are now used to control worm parasites that cause river blindness and are widely used in animals for worm control.

Foy said new genomics technologies are allowing scientists to more quickly and accurately sift through vector genomes to find protein targets, which can then aid in the development of more specified drugs and vaccines.

The research is to be presented next week in New Orleans during the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.