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Scientists genetically engineer a lethal mosquito STD to combat malaria
Mosquitoes have long been among humanity’s most formidable adversaries, plaguing us for thousands of years and causing more deaths than any other animal. With traditional control methods facing mounting resistance, researchers are seeking innovative ways to combat mosquito-borne disease.
The naturally occurring fungus called Metarhizium produces insect-specific neurotoxins, potent enough to kill female mosquitoes – the ones that spread disease. In field trials conducted in Burkina Faso, West Africa, the newly engineered version proved far more lethal; nearly 90% of females died within two weeks of mating with infected males, compared to just a 4% mortality rate with wild-type Metarhizium. Once exposed, male mosquitoes with the fungal strain can transmit spores for up to 24 hours to multiple mating partners, making the method ideal to deploy in the environment.
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