Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are genetically modified to control vector-borne diseases.
A vector is an organism that transmits a pathogen or disease without being affected.
We all know mosquito acts as a vector for many diseases like malaria, chikungunya, dengue, Zika, and yellow fever etc., One such dangerous species is Aedes aegypti.
To suppress a wild population of virus-carrying mosquitoes, Oxitec-a United Kingdom-based biotechnology firm in Florida, the United States showed promising results.
MECHANISM-
- A lethal gene was engineered that will kill the female offspring.
- This lethal gene is introduced into males and engineered males are released into the environment.
- These males, when mated with wild females, their female offspring will die before they can reproduce.
- Male offspring will carry the gene and pass it on to half of their progeny.
- As each generation mates, more females die and the Aedes aegypti population should dwindle.
Observation- All female mosquitoes which are observed, show that the lethal gene is inherited and died before reaching adulthood. This lethal gene also persisted in the wild population for 2-3months or about three generations of mosquito offspring, before disappearing.
Result- When field-tested in Brazil, Panama, and the Cayman Islands of Malaysia, the female population is reduced and the lethal gene continued for three generations.
Limitations-
- Though the results are positive, it took a decade for public acceptance and regulatory approvals.
- Larger studies are needed to understand whether the goal can be achieved or not.
- Harm to the human race and the mosquito-eating species is yet to know.
Inference-
As this is new emerging technology we cannot trace its path or the chemical in the food chain.
Genetically modified insects to control their population as a means to curb the spread of a disease is not a novel idea. Similar efforts began a decade ago, with scientists now attempting to engineer ticks to prevent diseases.
