Fredros O. Okumu, Gerry F. Killeen, Sheila Ogoma, Lubandwa Biswaro, Renate C. Smallegange, Edgar Mbeyela, Emmanuel Titus, Cristina Munk, Hassan Ngonyani, Willem Takken, Hassan Mshinda, Wolfgang R. Mukabana, Sarah J. Moore

Disease transmitting mosquitoes locate humans and other blood hosts by identifying their characteristic odor profiles. Using their olfactory organs, the mosquitoes detect compounds present in human breath, sweat and skins, and use these as cues to locate and obtain blood from the humans. These odor compounds can be synthesized in vitro, then formulated to mimic humans. While some synthetic mosquito lures already exist, evidence supporting their utility is limited to laboratory settings, where long-range stimuli cannot be investigated.