Characterizing Spiroplasma from Wild-caught Mosquitos in Kenya and Examining their Potential for Inhibiting Vector-borne Disease Transmission Towett Sharon1 Jeremy Herren2, Isabella Oyier1,3 , Martin Rono3 Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics-University of Nairobi1, International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology2, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust3 Introduction Objectives Vector-borne diseases are a devastating global health problem. Mosquitos make up a significant percentage of the insects that transmit these diseases. Malaria, one of the vector-borne diseases is the leading cause of death and disease in many developing countries. Several strategies have been used to control Malaria; however they have all faced a variety of setbacks. This study aims at studying Spiroplasma, a maternally transmitted endosymbiont, as a candidate for a new method of vector transmission blocking in Africa. Endosymbionts are being developed as a strategy to control vector borne disease in other continents and Spiroplasma is known to have protective properties in a variety of host insects To characterize and establish ecological prevalence of Spiroplasma in the selected mosquitoes using molecular techniques To determine the effect of Spiroplasma on mosquito lifespan and fecundity and resistance Methods Results RES1-Prevalenceof Spiroplasma in selected sites in Kenya Preliminary Results RES3-prevalence of Spiroplasma in mosquitos of the genus Culex Acknowledgements RES2-prevalence of Spiroplasma in mosquitos of the genus Anopheles Conclusion Acknowledgement: CEBIB, University of Nairobi, ICIPE, R.Geigy.Stiftung Spiroplasma circulates in wild mosquitos collected in Kenya There is need to study the effect of Spiroplasma on mosquito lifespan, fecundity and resistance CENTRE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS (CEBIB), UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI