Matthew Thomas
HUCK SCHOLAR OF ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Entomology | Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA, UNITED STATES
Matthew Thomas' research focuses on mosquito-pathogen and mosquito-parasite interactions in malaria.
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Industry Expertise (2)
Research
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Areas of Expertise (3)
'Enemy-Victim' Interactions
Invasive Species
Evolution of Pests and Diseases
Biography
Matthew Thomas is a professor and Huck Scholar in ecological entomology. He is considered an expert on “enemy-victim” interactions. He focuses on mosquito-pathogen and mosquito-parasite interactions in malaria.
Education (2)
University College Cardiff: B.Sc., Zoology and Environmental Studies 1987
University of Southampton: Ph.D., Ecological Entomology 1990
Links (6)
Media Appearances (3)
Eave tubes kill mosquitoes as they try to get inside
Futurity online
2015-12-14
A new tactic for fighting malaria involves involves limiting mosquito access to houses by blocking openings and installing “eave tubes” that contain a unique type of insecticide-laced mosquito netting.
Entomologist receives Black Award for Excellence in Research
Penn State News online
2013-04-05
Matthew Thomas, professor of entomology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and Huck Scholar in Ecological Entomology, has been chosen to receive the 2012-13 Alex and Jessie C. Black Award for Excellence in Research.
Evolution-proof insecticides may stall malaria forever
Phys.org online
2009-04-07
Killing just the older mosquitoes would be a more sustainable way of controlling malaria, according to entomologists who add that the approach may lead to evolution-proof insecticides that never become obsolete.
Articles (5)
Detecting the impact of temperature on transmission of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya using mechanistic models
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Erin A Mordecai, Jeremy M Cohen, Michelle V Evans, Prithvi Gudapati, Leah R Johnson, Catherine A Lippi, Kerri Miazgowicz, Courtney C Murdock, Jason R Rohr, Sadie J Ryan, Van Savage, Marta S Shocket, Anna Stewart Ibarra, Matthew B Thomas, Daniel P Weikel
2017 Recent epidemics of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya have heightened the need to understand the seasonal and geographic range of transmission by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. We use mechanistic transmission models to derive predictions for how the probability and magnitude of transmission for Zika, chikungunya, and dengue change with mean temperature, and we show that these predictions are well matched by human case data. Across all three viruses, models and human case data both show that transmission occurs between 18–34°C with maximal transmission occurring in a range from 26–29°C. Controlling for population size and two socioeconomic factors, temperature-dependent transmission based on our mechanistic model is an important predictor of human transmission occurrence and incidence. Risk maps indicate that tropical and subtropical regions are suitable for extended seasonal or year-round transmission, but transmission in temperate areas is limited to at most three months per year even if vectors are present. Such brief transmission windows limit the likelihood of major epidemics following disease introduction in temperate zones.
Resting and feeding preferences of Anopheles stephensi in an urban setting, perennial for malaria
Malaria Journal
Shalu Thomas, Sangamithra Ravishankaran, NA Johnson Amala Justin, Aswin Asokan, Manu Thomas Mathai, Neena Valecha, Jacqui Montgomery, Matthew B Thomas, Alex Eapen
2017 The Indian city of Chennai is endemic for malaria and the known local malaria vector is Anopheles stephensi. Plasmodium vivax is the predominant malaria parasite species, though Plasmodium falciparum is present at low levels. The urban ecotype of malaria prevails in Chennai with perennial transmission despite vector surveillance by the Urban Malaria Scheme (UMS) of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). Understanding the feeding and resting preferences, together with the transmission potential of adult vectors in the area is essential in effective planning and execution of improved vector control measures.
The importance of temperature fluctuations in understanding mosquito population dynamics and malaria risk
Open Science
Lindsay M Beck-Johnson, William A Nelson, Krijn P Paaijmans, Andrew F Read, Matthew B Thomas, Ottar N Bjørnstad
2017 Temperature is a key environmental driver of Anopheles mosquito population dynamics; understanding its central role is important for these malaria vectors. Mosquito population responses to temperature fluctuations, though important across the life history, are poorly understood at a population level. We used stage-structured, temperature-dependent delay-differential equations to conduct a detailed exploration of the impacts of diurnal and annual temperature fluctuations on mosquito population dynamics. The model allows exploration of temperature-driven temporal changes in adult age structure, giving insights into the population’s capacity to vector malaria parasites. Because of temperature-dependent shifts in age structure, the abundance of potentially infectious mosquitoes varies temporally, and does not necessarily mirror the dynamics of the total adult population. In addition to conducting the first comprehensive theoretical exploration of fluctuating temperatures on mosquito population dynamics, we analysed observed temperatures at four locations in Africa covering a range of environmental conditions. We found both temperature and precipitation are needed to explain the observed malaria season in these locations, enhancing our understanding of the drivers of malaria seasonality and how temporal disease risk may shift in response to temperature changes. This approach, tracking both mosquito abundance and age structure, may be a powerful tool for understanding current and future malaria risk.
Increasing the potential for malaria elimination by targeting zoophilic vectors
Scientific Reports
Jessica L Waite, Sunita Swain, Penelope A Lynch, SK Sharma, Mohammed Asrarul Haque, Jacqui Montgomery, Matthew B Thomas
2017 Countries in the Asia Pacific region aim to eliminate malaria by 2030. A cornerstone of malaria elimination is the effective management of Anopheles mosquito vectors. Current control tools such as insecticide treated nets or indoor residual sprays target mosquitoes in human dwellings. We find in a high transmission region in India, malaria vector populations show a high propensity to feed on livestock (cattle) and rest in outdoor structures such as cattle shelters. We also find evidence for a shift in vector species complex towards increased zoophilic behavior in recent years. Using a malaria transmission model we demonstrate that in such regions dominated by zoophilic vectors, existing vector control tactics will be insufficient to achieve elimination, even if maximized. However, by increasing mortality in the zoophilic cycle, the elimination threshold can be reached. Current national vector control policy in India restricts use of residual insecticide sprays to domestic dwellings. Our study suggests substantial benefits of extending the approach to treatment of cattle sheds, or deploying other tactics that target zoophilic behavior. Optimizing use of existing tools will be essential to achieving the ambitious 2030 elimination target.
Eave tubes for malaria control in Africa: a modelling assessment of potential impact on transmission
Malaria Journal
Jessica L Waite, Penelope A Lynch, Matthew B Thomas
2016 Novel interventions for malaria control are necessary in the face of problems such as increasing insecticide resistance and residual malaria transmission. One way to assess performance prior to deployment in the field is through mathematical modelling. Modelled here are a range of potential outcomes for eave tubes, a novel mosquito control tool combining house screening and targeted use of insecticides to provide both physical protection and turn the house into a lethal mosquito killing device.
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