be that special programs will need to be developed to fund those scientists willing to devote years to working in relative isolation in the field.

Over the next 15 to 20 years, malaria research in the area of vector biology should focus concurrently on four areas: field investigations, laboratory-based research in support of field investigations, innovative methods for malaria control, and vector control evaluation in endemic areas.

Each type of malaria (see Chapter 10) is associated with a distinct group of mosquito vectors that vary greatly in their potential to transmit malaria parasites. An understanding of patterns of malaria transmission depends on vector field studies focused on defining ecological interactions among mosquito vector populations, malaria parasites, and humans. The identification of key points at which transmission can be interrupted will provide clues for malaria control in areas of high transmission and will lead to new strategies for malaria eradication in areas of low transmission.

RESEARCH FOCUS: The dynamics of malaria transmission by vector populations and the risk of exposure for human populations in various ecosystems.

A critical question is why some individuals living in areas of stable malaria transmission develop severe and life-threatening disease. The incidence of severe malaria may depend, among other things, on the local patterns (microdistribution) of malaria transmission and on the intensity of sporozoite inoculation. Identifying vector-related determinants of severe malaria requires new approaches for measuring house-by-house variations in malaria transmission.

RESEARCH FOCUS: Characterization of “microepidemiologic” patterns of malaria transmission, including the identification of vector-related and environmental risk factors for the development of severe malaria.

Front Matter (R1-R18)

1. Conclusions and Recommendations (1-21)

2. Background (22-36)

3. Overview (37-55)

4. Clinical Medicine and the Disease Process (56-72)

5. Diagnostic Tests (73-89)

6. Parasite Biology (90-117)

7. Vector Biology, Ecology, and Control (118-143)

8. Drug Discovery and Development (144-168)

9. Vaccines (169-210)

10. Epidemiologic Approaches to Malaria Control (211-236)

11. Economics of Malaria Control (237-256)

12. Social and Behavioral Aspects of Malaria (257-278)

Appendix A: Paradigms (279-282)

Appendix B: Dissenting Opinion (283-288)

Glossary (289-296)

Index (297-310)