Recently due to Zika Virus outbreak, scientist have been
trying to work hand in hand with areas such as Brazil and Columbia, where they
encounter this virus more frequently. The plan is for mosquitos to be infected
with a bug, Wolbachia (This reduces the
mosquitos ability to spread virus) . Wolbachia is a bacterium that is unharmful
to humans, but infects 60% of insects. The mosquito that is mostly transmitting
the Zika Virus is the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Scientists have been researching
to figure out how to inject the bug into these mosquitos. According to studies,
Wolbachia will compete with the virus itself to get their resources off the
mosquito host, eventually leading the virus to lose out and not have the
ability to replicate successfully. Thus making it more difficult for the virus
to be passed on from mosquito to human. Scientists have said that small scale
observational trials in problem countries such as Brazil, Columbia, and
Indonesia can help reduce the spread of this virus in humans. They view the
Wolbachia bacteria as a new protection against mosquito caused diseases. Its
seen as something dependable, affordable, and versatile, not only preventing
Zika virus spread, but also other viruses such as dengue and chikungunya
viruses. Scientists plan is to release the modified mosquitos and allow them to
breed with other mosquitos therefore transmitting the bug to generations to
come. Monitoring of these mosquito borne viruses will be going on for the next
three years.
Mundasad, Smitha. 2016. Mosquito army released in zika fight
in brazil and Columbia. BBC News
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