Eliminate Dengue Program
Wolbachia is a natural bacterium found in around 60 percent of insect species, such as some mosquitoes. But, Wolbachia it isn't typically found at the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the main species responsible for distributing human viruses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
For several years scientists are analyzing Wolbachia, searching for ways to utilize it to possibly control the mosquitoes that spread human ailments. This significant discovery has the potential to alter the struggle against life-threatening viral ailments.
It's a naturally occurring bacterium already found in the environment at several insect species.
Option uses of Wolbachia
This strategy includes the launch of just male mosquitoes using Wolbachia. Whenever these mosquitoes partner with crazy female mosquitoes without Wolbachia, they are not able to replicate.
The technique demands the launch of a high number of male mosquitoes to decrease the total mosquito population. Much like insecticides, this technique would have to be reapplied over time since the people of mosquitoes slowly returns.
By comparison, the Remove Dengue Program's strategy doesn't aim to decrease the total quantity of mosquitoes. Our intent is to disperse Wolbachia into wild mosquito populations to decrease the ability of those mosquitoes to transmit illness.
We now release a smaller amount of female and male mosquitoes with Wolbachia above a range of months. These mosquitoes then partner with the wild tree inhabitants, passing the germs from generation to generation. As time passes, the proportion of mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia grows till it stays high with no need for additional releases. Mosquitoes with Wolbachia are unable to carry viruses to individuals, so the chance of outbreaks in these regions is reduced.
EDP's study has indicated that Wolbachia can maintain itself in mosquito populations without continual reapplication, which makes it a cost effective, sustainable and long-lasting alternative. We're currently adapting our strategy to be used in large, urban surroundings and targeting a price of US$1 per individual.
World Mosquito Program - Our Wolbachia method
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