Associate researcher , Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine , United Kingdom
Dr. W. Fabricio S. Martins 🇧🇷 is a Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellow 🧪 at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine 🇬🇧. A tropical medicine expert, his work focuses on insecticide resistance in disease-transmitting mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti 🦟. Formerly a Senior Lecturer in Brazil 🇧🇷, he joined LSTM’s Vector Biology Department in 2018. His research investigates how unregulated domestic insecticide use 🏠 impacts public health and vector resistance. He has authored key publications 📚, reviewed for major journals, and spoken at international conferences 🎤. Dr. Martins combines entomology, epidemiology, and public health to drive impactful global research 🌍.
Professional Profile
ORCID
Education & Experience
Dr. Martins holds a PhD in Tropical Medicine 🧫 (LSTM, UK, 2016), an MSc in Animal Biology 🐒 (Federal University of Pernambuco, 2006), and a BSc in Biology 🧬 (UEPB, Brazil, 2002). He was a Senior Lecturer 👨🏫 at Paraíba State University (2006–2018), contributing to teaching and research in vector biology. In 2018, he rejoined LSTM as an Associate Researcher 🧑🔬, and in 2023 began his Wellcome Trust Fellowship 👨🎓. His experience spans academia, research, and global health fieldwork 🌎. Fluent in Portuguese 🇵🇹 and English 🇬🇧, he effectively collaborates across international teams on complex vector-borne disease issues.
Professional Development
Dr. Martins has built a diverse professional portfolio including academic teaching 📚, scientific research 🔬, and international collaboration 🤝. As a reviewer for top-tier journals 📝 like PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases and Parasites & Vectors, he maintains rigorous standards in vector research. His invited talks 🎤 and moderator roles, such as at the World Congress on Infectious Diseases (Rome, 2023), reflect his reputation as a thought leader 🧠. He also mentors junior researchers 👥, applying strong leadership and communication skills 🗣️. His public health-driven approach integrates science with community needs for lasting impact 🌍.
Research Focus
Dr. Martins’ research centers on medical entomology 🦟 and vector-borne disease dynamics 🔍. He investigates the evolution of insecticide resistance, especially in Aedes aegypti, and how human behavior 🧍♂️🏠 influences the efficacy of vector control strategies. His current work explores how unregulated domestic insecticide use 🔥 impacts resistance and public health outcomes. He focuses on arboviral diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya 🧬, emphasizing sustainable intervention approaches 📊. His goal is to inform global policy decisions 🏛️ through evidence-based science and promote smarter vector control programs worldwide 🌐.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Martins received the prestigious Wellcome Trust Training Fellowship in Public Health and Tropical Medicine 🎓 (2018–2023), supporting his pioneering research on household insecticide use. He also held national research fellowships for his MSc and PhD studies in Brazil 🇧🇷. Recognized for his expertise, he has served as a peer reviewer 📄 for leading journals since 2013 and participated in international scientific panels 🌍. His work is widely cited and has informed vector control strategies globally 🧪. His accolades reflect a career devoted to innovation, scientific integrity, and global public health impact 🌟.
Publication Top Notes
1. Improving the efficiency of aerosolized insecticide testing against mosquitoes
Citation:
Martins, W. F. S., Reid, E., Tomlinson, S., Evans, G., Gibson, J., Guy, A., Donnelly, M., & Weetman, D. (2023). Improving the efficiency of aerosolized insecticide testing against mosquitoes. Scientific Reports, 13, Article 6281. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33460-0
Summary:
This study presents a novel and optimized method to improve the efficiency and reliability of testing aerosolized insecticides on mosquitoes. The research highlights how traditional testing methods may not accurately reflect real-world conditions, potentially leading to misjudgment of product efficacy. By refining exposure protocols, the study offers a more robust approach for evaluating household insecticide effectiveness, which is crucial for public health decision-making in vector control.
2. Development and application of a tri-allelic PCR assay for screening Vgsc-L1014F kdr mutations associated with pyrethroid and organochlorine resistance in the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus
Citation:
Martins, W. F. S., Pereira, B. N. S., Alves, A. T. V., Murphy, A., Martins, P. G. S., Weetman, D., Wilding, C. S., & Donnelly, M. J. (2019). Development and application of a tri-allelic PCR assay for screening Vgsc-L1014F kdr mutations associated with pyrethroid and organochlorine resistance in the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. Parasites & Vectors, 12, Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-019-3490-z
Summary:
This paper introduces a sensitive and cost-effective PCR-based molecular diagnostic tool for detecting tri-allelic variations in the Vgsc-L1014F gene. These mutations are strongly linked to resistance against pyrethroids and organochlorines in Culex quinquefasciatus. The tool enhances the ability to monitor and track resistance evolution in mosquito populations, supporting better-targeted control interventions.
3. Transcriptomic analysis of insecticide resistance in the lymphatic filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus
Citation:
Martins, W. F. S., Wilding, C., Isaacs, A. T., Rippon, E. J., Megy, K., & Donnelly, M. J. (2019). Transcriptomic analysis of insecticide resistance in the lymphatic filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus. Scientific Reports, 9, Article 11406. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-47850-w
Summary:
Utilizing transcriptome analysis, this study reveals gene expression profiles linked to insecticide resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus, a major vector of lymphatic filariasis. Key metabolic resistance mechanisms, such as overexpression of detoxification enzymes, are identified. This research provides critical molecular insights for designing more effective mosquito control strategies and mitigating resistance.
4. Local selection in the presence of high levels of gene flow: Evidence of heterogeneous insecticide selection pressure across Ugandan Culex quinquefasciatus populations
Citation:
Martins, W. F. S., Wilding, C. S., Steen, K., Mawejje, H., Antão, T. R., & Donnelly, M. J. (2017). Local selection in the presence of high levels of gene flow: Evidence of heterogeneous insecticide selection pressure across Ugandan Culex quinquefasciatus populations. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 11(10), e0005917. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0005917
Summary:
The study investigates insecticide resistance patterns in Culex quinquefasciatus across Uganda. Despite high gene flow, resistance profiles were found to be spatially heterogeneous, indicating localized selection pressures. This implies that national-scale control programs may be less effective if local variation is not considered, emphasizing the need for region-specific strategies.
5. Detection and quantitation of copy number variation in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus
Citation:
Martins, W. F. S., Subramaniam, K., Steen, K., Mawejje, H. D., Liloglou, T., Donnelly, M. J., & Wilding, C. (2017). Detection and quantitation of copy number variation in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. Scientific Reports, 7, Article 5821. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-06080-8
Summary:
This publication focuses on detecting copy number variations (CNVs) in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene, which plays a critical role in resistance to pyrethroids. By developing a quantitative assay, the authors reveal the extent of CNVs in field populations. The findings underscore the role of gene duplication in resistance and inform molecular surveillance strategies.
6. Genetic variability and spatial distribution in small geographic scale of Aedes aegypti under different climatic conditions in Northeastern Brazil
Citation:
Steffler, L. M., Dolabella, S. S., Ribolla, P. E. M., Dreyer, C. S., Araújo, E. D., Oliveira, R. G., Martins, W. F. S., & La Corte, R. (2016). Genetic variability and spatial distribution in small geographic scale of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) under different climatic conditions in Northeastern Brazil. Parasites & Vectors, 9, Article 530. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-016-1814-9
Summary:
This study examines the genetic structure and distribution of Aedes aegypti populations in relation to microclimatic conditions in Brazil. It finds significant variability even at small geographic scales, influenced by local environmental factors. The results support targeted vector control strategies tailored to specific ecological contexts.
Conclusion
Dr. Walter Fabrício Silva Martins demonstrates exceptional research productivity, real-world impact, and a sustained commitment to global health challenges. His work significantly advances our understanding of insecticide resistance and vector-borne disease control. Therefore, he is highly deserving of a Best Review paper Award, particularly in the fields of Tropical Medicine, Vector Biology, and Public Health Entomology.