The main goal of the Molecular Microbiology Section (MMS) is to optimize the efficacy of mosquitocidal bacteria, particularly Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and B. sphaericus (Bs). To achieve this goal, we are currently using two different approaches – (1) Isolation of novel mosquitocidal Bt and Bs with higher toxicity and broader host range and (2) Construction of recombinant Bt and Bs with improved efficacy using the various genetic elements that control high levels of endotoxin synthesis.