How Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes could stop the spread of viral diseases
By
Angus Dalton
Solid neighbourhood-bakery energy. Trustworthy and warm.
Summary
The article discusses the World Mosquito Program's use of Wolbachia bacteria to combat mosquito-borne viruses like dengue. Wolbachia bacteria outcompete viruses for resources (like cholesterol) inside mosquitoes and boost their immune systems, effectively starving and repelling viral infections. Field trials began in Cairns, Australia, and by 2021 a randomized controlled trial in Yogyakarta provided strong evidence of the technique's effectiveness. The article notes that Australia may need to replicate this approach due to the arrival of a new, aggressive mosquito species.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledScientists suspect the bacteria outcompete viruses within mosquitoes.
Both pathogens need cholesterol, for example, and if you've got a population of Wolbachia within mozzies hoovering up all the cholesterol, the viruses 'starve'.
The bacteria also turbocharge a mozzie's immune system, which helps repel viral infection.
By 2021, the technique had its strongest evidence, with a randomised controlled trial in Yogyakarta.
You might also wanna read
Debug Project: Using Sterile Mosquitoes to Combat Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes
Debug is a group of scientists and engineers developing technology to raise and release sterile mosquitoes to combat disease-carrying mosqui
debug.com·11d agoScientists genetically engineer a lethal mosquito STD to combat malaria
Study Finds Manganese Balance is Crucial for Lyme Disease Bacterium Survival
A new study reveals that the Lyme disease bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi relies on manganese as a 'double-edged sword' - the bacteria need m
news.northwestern.edu·7mo ago
Columbia Researcher Discovers Rare Genetic Mutation That Provides Universal Antiviral Immunity
Columbia University immunologist Dusan Bogunovic discovered that a rare genetic mutation causing immune deficiency in some patients also gra
cuimc.columbia.edu·9mo ago
How the Mosquito Bucket of Death Offers a Safe Solution for Backyard Mosquito Control
The article discusses the author's personal struggle with a mosquito-infested backyard due to constant rainfall and introduces the 'Mosquito
energyvanguard.com·10mo ago
How Climate Change Is Spreading Dangerous Microbes and Pathogens
This article examines how climate change is accelerating the spread of dangerous pathogens, including "flesh-eating" bacteria and emerging i
newyorker.com·18d ago