[afro-nets] Malaria gene 'defends mosquitoes' (2)

[Odiere, Maurice <MOdiere@ke.cdc.gov>]

Malaria gene 'defends mosquitoes' (2)
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Thanks Claudio for sharing this new development with us. I have
always been fascinated by the way in which the malaria vector
survives this parasite. Maybe this new advancement would be com-
bined well with SIT and it would be interesting to see what
level of malaria control transgenic mosquitoes may achieve. I
would envisage a situation whereby as scientists we would be
able to manipulate these genes with 100% success or worst to a
level where more infective bites would be required to produce
any patent infection, just as is the case with Culex quinquefas-
ciatus and its transmission of lymphatic filariasis. If at all a
higher number of infective bites is required to produce any pat-
ent malaria infection, this in my view would complement and en-
hance the efficacy of control tools such as the ITNs etc.

Kudos! to the scientists at Johns Hopkins.


Maurice R.Odiere
CDC-Entomology section
P.0.Box 1578
Kisumu, Kenya
Tel (Office): +254-572-022-902
Cell: +254-721-845-777
mailto:modiere@ke.cdc.gov