The trap was designed in collaboration with experts such as entomologists and targets specifically mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to the trap and retained in it thanks to human pheromone emission and stagnant water contained in the base of the trap.
How does the trap work ?First of all fill the base with water. Then clip the upper part to the base. Now insert the bag that emits pheromones (produced by Biogent). Once the bag is set, we introduce what we will call the mosquito filter. As you can see, a QR code is located on the top of the filter, when you scan it, it automatically records on a smartphone the installation date, the filter number as well as the GPS location of the trap. Once this procedure is completed, close the trap and wait for mosquitoes ! A few days later, it’s time to pick up the mosquitoes ! Scan the QR code again in order to record the current date and bring back only the filter to analyze the mosquitoes sample. Once the filter is removed, bring it back to the local administration that will proceed to the analysis. Alternatively, paper form filing is possible although electronic recording by the smartphone is recommended to reduce errors.
Explanation video:
We designed a system that allows to hang the trap around a tree or a pole. You also can fix it to a dedicated stake that you can dig in the ground. With those two possibilities, you can use the Mos(kit)o trap almost everywhere.
Our device is designed in a way that it only requires one operator with minimum training and the device itself. In order to make it as safe as possible, all the liquids that will be used will be stored at the tip of the pump where an absorbent material turns liquids into a gel, acting almost like a diaper. This part can be easily thrown away in a biohazard waste container and replaced.
How does the analysis tool work ? First put the pump into the device. Then insert the detection patches into the four dedicated slots. Each patch may correspond to a different disease, in a customizable way. Clip the “patch-holder” onto the device. Then put the mosquito filter containing the mosquitoes inside the device. After that, crush the mosquitoes with the dedicated cap. Thanks to the hollow design of this cap you can put the lysis solution without opening the filter ! When you pull the pump piston, a network of pipes allows the liquids to flow through the system safely in order to immerse the patch into the lysate solution mixed with the mosquito « juice ». Then you put the washing solution, and pull the pump piston again to wash the patches; as mentioned earlier all the liquids are stored into the gelified material and can easily and safely be thrown away. After this procedure, with the analysis kit in front of you, you can report each color change of patches as well as the symbol corresponding to each disease into the database. In order to avoid fear or panic, each disease is coded by a symbol. After a verification step, the results are submitted and the map is updated almost in real time!
Explanation video:
Once the analysis is done, the result is entered in a database that automatically generates a mapping of the results. It allows a clear visualization of the location of infected mosquitoes. The website is composed of a public area where everybody can consult the maps and be given prevention advice. The other part is accessible only with a personal account by the local administrators to enter the results and communicate with collaborators. Thus, we have also implemented the security component of data manipulation in Mos(kit)o. If you want, you can see the prototype of our website here: http://moskit.esy.es
Research & Development
