Cristina Rafferty
Papers
1
Total Citations
12
H-Index
1
About
Cristina Rafferty is a molecular entomologist whose work has advanced the genetic identification and surveillance of disease-vectoring mosquitoes. Her primary research focuses on the molecular taxonomy and population genetics of Anopheles species, the primary vectors of malaria. Her most cited work, a 2002 study, introduced a high-throughput polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using a 96-pin bacterial replicator to rapidly identify and genotype large numbers of Anopheles mosquitoes. By targeting the rDNA intergenic spacer and internal transcribed spacer 2, this technique streamlined the differentiation of cryptic species like Anopheles gambiae and An. quadrimaculatus, enabling more efficient vector surveillance. With 12 citations, this paper has provided a practical, scalable tool for entomologists and public health researchers. Rafferty’s contributions are notable for bridging molecular biology and field epidemiology, offering a cost-effective solution for monitoring malaria vectors. Her work underscores the importance of precise species identification in controlling mosquito-borne diseases, making her a key figure in applied vector genetics.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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