16th August 2024 (9 Topics)
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Wolbachia-Based Vector Control
Context
Dengue fever remains a significant public health challenge in India, imposing a substantial economic burden and causing a high number of premature deaths. Existing vector control measures have only achieved limited success, and there is a pressing need for innovative and effective solutions. Recent advancements in biological vector control, specifically the use of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, offer promising new strategies for managing dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
What is Wolbachia?
- Wolbachia is a naturally occurring bacterium found in many insects but not in Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue.
- Wolbachia can provide resistance to viral infections and can also impose costs on its host, such as shortened lifespan. This dual nature has led to its study as a potential tool for controlling mosquito-borne diseases.
- Wolbachia-Based Vector Control
- Population Suppression: Singapore uses Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes to reduce the Aedes population by 90% through producing non-viable eggs when mated with wild females.
- Population Replacement: Australia has released Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to replace wild populations, with successful outcomes in dengue control and nearly achieving dengue elimination.
- Global Trials: In Indonesia, a randomized controlled trial showed that wMel mosquito releases resulted in a 77% reduction in dengue cases and an 86% reduction in hospitalizations.
Implications for India
- Potential Benefits: The wMel strategy could significantly reduce the burden of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and chikungunya in India. It could also address issues related to insecticide resistance and limited effectiveness of current methods.
- Current Status in India: India does not yet have an active wMel release program, but research and development are underway. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed wMel strains in Puducherry and has conducted studies, though public updates have been sparse.
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