Genetically Modifying Mosquitoes Could Help End This Deadly Disease

In December 2024, the World Health Organization made an inventory of malaria in the world. Thus, in 2023, the disease transmitted by certain mosquitoes affected more than 260 million people and generated 600,000 deaths especially in Africa.

A genetic modification of mosquitoes in two stages

To slow down the progression of malaria, mosquitoes must be targeted, but more specifically, it is necessary to focus on the parasite responsible for the transmission of the disease to the human being.

Indeed, if this parasite is put out of harm, then a mosquito bite could be … well, a simple bite that scratches and not a potential fatal condemnation.

To get there, researchers implant directly in mosquito eggs of genes recovered from bees and the African frog which will prevent the growth of the parasite of malaria.

In fact, when the female mosquitoes that are responsible for the bites will take blood in humans, the parasite is too low to cause the disease.

Then comes the second step which will consist in ensuring that the genetically modified mosquitoes transmit their new genes to their descendants.

Why would this technique be more effective?

The question can actually arise. Today, malaria, even if it is deadly, is known by health services around the world and vaccines as well as drugs exist to protect them or treat it.

However, this is where it is the problem with these techniques. Indeed, the researchers noticed that malaria had transferred over time and that it became more and more resistant to traditional techniques to counter its progress.

Thus, the “Zero transmission” project launched by theImperial College London could be a significant advance since, as explained by News Dr. Nikolai Windbichler, geneticist, “This technology is purely genetic, so no one will have to do anything so that it is beneficial”.

Because the objective of these genetic mutations in mosquitoes will be to ensure that they propagate independently in the different populations which are likely to transmit malaria.

Especially if this technique is verified as the best solution, a small population of genetically modified mosquitoes would be necessary for new genes to be transmitted to the entire population.

For the moment, “Zero transmission” is still at the project stadium and there are still a few stages before seeing it hatch on the field.

“” “We must prove that what we do in the laboratory works in the way we want. Then, we will have to prove that this technique has no risk for people or the environment.“Explained Professor George Christophides, an infectious disease specialist at theImperial College London in comments reported by News.

Source : News