News: A study has suggested that the “Wolbachia method” could be used to significantly reduce the spread of dengue.
Facts:
- Wolbachia: They are safe, natural bacteria present in up to 60% of insect species including some mosquitoes.They are safe for humans, animals and the environment.
- However, it is not usually found in the Aedes aegypti mosquito (responsible for transmitting viruses such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya).
- How does it work? The method involves introducing Wolbachia into populations of Aedes aegypti.When the Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes breed with their wild counterparts, the percentage of mosquitoes carrying the bacterium grows.
- It is not fully understood why the Wolbachia bacterium interferes with the transmission of dengue.One theory is that the bacterium prevents dengue viruses from replicating in mosquito cells.
Additional Facts:
- Dengue: It is a mosquito-borne viral disease widely spread in tropical and subtropical regions.The disease is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
