Researchers have developed genetically modified fungi that can kill malaria-transmitting mosquitoes through sexual transmission, offering a promising solution to target both indoor and outdoor populations.
By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Jan 19 2025 Scientists have unveiled a novel mosquito control strategy: genetically engineered fungi that spread through mating. This strategy offers hope for reducing malaria in high-risk regions.
The study explored the transmission efficiency, virulence, and mortality effects of these fungi under semi-field conditions while addressing the challenges in enhancing existing vector control tools. The researchers obtained ethical approvals from the Burkina Faso National Biosecurity Agency and other regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with biosafety guidelines.
Innovative biological approaches, such as using entomopathogenic fungi, which naturally infect and kill mosquitoes, are being explored extensively in recent research. However, these fungi often show limited efficiency due to low transmission rates. While genetic engineering of the fungi to produce lethal toxins has improved their impact even at minimal doses, transmission remains challenging.
Adult Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes, reared from larvae in an area with insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, were exposed to the fungal spores. The researchers treated the male mosquitoes with fungal spores and then allowed them to mate with uninfected females. They then analyzed fungal transmission by measuring the proportion of females with fungal spores, the number of spores transferred, and the resulting mortality rates.
Furthermore, infection experiments demonstrated that males remained capable of transmitting spores for up to 24 hours post-treatment. The transgenic strain proved particularly lethal, even with minimal spore transfer, due to the expression of an insect-specific toxin. Females exposed to transgenic fungi showed higher mortality rates despite receiving similar spore loads as those exposed to wild-type fungi.
Malaria Mosquito Biosecurity Global Health Laboratory Mortality Research Toxins Transgenic
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