Genetically modified mosquitoes to curb malaria transmission
Scientists at Imperial College London are currently developing a new genetic modification that would make malaria-transmitting mosquitoes incapable of spreading the disease to humans.
According to AfricaNews on March 13th, researchers are working in an insectarium filled with cages of mosquitos, specifically the female Anopheles species which transmits Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The research is just part of international research group Transmission Zero, as they trial a genetic intervention that would make mosquitoes resistant to the parasite.
Dr Nikolai Windbichler, a geneticist at Imperial College London explained: “These are exogenous genes that we bring into the mosquito. They are known antimicrobial molecules from other species. For example, one of them we are using is from the honeybee. We need this modification to propagate and spread so that every malaria-transmitting mosquito in Africa will eventually carry this.”
The new technology needs to undergo extensive testing and validation are required before it can be used in the field.
Leader of the laboratory, Professor George K. Christophides said: “We have to prove in the lab that it works and that it works the way we want it to work. Then we have to prove that it is safe, that it doesn’t cause any additional or unintentional harm to people or the environment. It must also be accepted by communities and regulators before we can test it in the field.”
Previously, the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed two malaria vaccines which proved safe and effective in preventing malaria in children. Despite the vaccines, malaria still represents a significant public health challenge, needing multiple approaches to stop its transmission.
Other genetic modifications have also been considered, such as engineering mosquitos to produce only non-biting males, however changes of this kind typically fade after a few generations.
Malaria is currently one of the deadliest diseases in the world, causing almost 600,000 deaths in 2023. Most malaria cases occur in African countries.
The announcement of the breakthrough comes just three days after African health officials expressed concerns that US President Trumps USAID cuts were beginning to weaken the fight against the disease.
AfricaNews, Maghrebi, World Health Organization
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