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Wolbachia: Transforming the Fight Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Introduction

• Wolbachia is a naturally occurring bacterium found in up to 60% of insect species, excluding the primary mosquito species responsible for transmitting human viruses such as Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever (Aedes aegypti).
• Scientists have been studying Wolbachia to potentially control disease-transmitting mosquitoes.
• The World Mosquito Program’s research has shown that introducing Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can reduce the transmission of viruses to humans, revolutionizing the fight against mosquito-borne diseases.
• Wolbachia and Mosquitoes:
• Wolbachia is a natural bacterium found in 60% of insect species, but it is not typically present in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for human virus transmission.
• The absence of Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes contributes to the higher risk of diseases like Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
• The World Mosquito Program’s Wolbachia Method:
• The WMP releases male and female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia over several weeks.
• These mosquitoes breed with the wild mosquito population, gradually increasing the percentage of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes.
• Over time, the Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes become self-sustaining, reducing the ability of mosquitoes to transmit viruses to humans.
• This method provides long-term protection against outbreaks of Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
• Safety and Risk Assessment:
• Wolbachia is safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
• Two independent risk assessments have been conducted, both rating the overall risk of releasing mosquitoes with Wolbachia as “negligible,” the lowest possible rating.
• The method poses no significant risks to natural ecosystems or human health.
• Unique Features of the WMP’s Wolbachia Method:
• The WMP’s method is natural and self-sustaining, distinguishing it from most other initiatives.
• The method does not involve suppressing mosquito populations or genetic modification (GM) as the mosquito’s genetic material remains unaltered.
• Long-term monitoring demonstrates that the natural Wolbachia method is self-sustaining in international project sites for up to eight years after initial releases.
• The use of Wolbachia in controlling mosquito-borne diseases has the potential to transform disease prevention efforts.
• The World Mosquito Program’s Wolbachia method, which introduces Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, has proven effective in reducing virus transmission without posing risks to ecosystems or human health.
• Continued research and implementation of this method hold promise in combating life-threatening mosquito-borne diseases globally.

Alternative uses of Wolbachia:

• Wolbachia bacteria can be utilized to suppress mosquito populations by releasing male mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia. When these mosquitoes mate with wild female mosquitoes lacking Wolbachia, they become infertile, thereby reducing mosquito reproduction.
• Unlike traditional methods such as insecticides, the Wolbachia technique does not require constant reapplication. It is a self-sustaining and long-term solution for mosquito-borne diseases.
• The World Mosquito Program has pioneered the Wolbachia method, which is unique in its affordability and sustainability. It aims to reduce the transmission of diseases like Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever without significantly affecting mosquito populations or ecosystems.
• The program is currently adapting its approach to suit large urban environments, where mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant threat. The target cost for implementing the Wolbachia method is approximately US$1 per person.

In summary, Wolbachia bacteria offer a promising alternative for controlling mosquito-borne diseases, providing a cost-effective and self-sustaining solution that minimizes the impact on mosquito populations and ecosystems.

Microsatellite DNA

• Microsatellites are short segments of DNA, usually consisting of one to six or more base pairs, that repeat multiple times in a specific genomic location.
• These DNA sequences are typically non-coding, meaning they do not directly provide instructions for protein production.
• The number of repeated segments within a microsatellite sequence can vary among individuals, making them useful as polymorphic markers.
• Microsatellites are used to study inheritance patterns in families and can be utilized for creating DNA fingerprints from crime scene samples.
• Microsatellite patterns, determined by the combination and repetition of DNA base pair letters, can be unique to individuals, similar to actual fingerprints.
• These patterns can also be inherited from parents and passed on to their children, allowing for familial analysis using microsatellites.

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