A New Approach to Vector Control: Immunity in Mosquito Vectors of Parasites

Abstract

Mosquito populations have been suppressed effectively, mostly, by continuing and heavy reliance on the use of
chemical insecticides. This has resulted in the development of insecticide resistance by vector mosquitoes and the subsequent resurgence of diseases like malaria and filariasis. The development of resistance by vector mosquitoes has emphasized the need to assess alternative strategies for vector control. A novel approach of creating refractory (immune) mosquitoes by genetic manipulation (transgenic mosquitoes) and replacing the existing vector population with them has been suggested. This approach could either suppress vector populations, or alter their ability to transmit disease-causing organisms in such a way as to have a profound and long-lasting effect on disease transmission. Some examples of potential refractory mechanisms in mosquitoes to malarial and filarial parasites are discussed.