Mosquitoes genetically modified against dengue

• April 23, 2024

Scientists have released genetically modified mosquitoes in an experiment to fight dengue in the Cayman Islands according to the publication of the CBS news network.

After years of experiments and calculations, this is the first time that it is decided to release altered mosquitoes in their genetics and while some scientists believe that this will be the opportunity to discover a solution to those affected by thedengue Some skeptics criticized that the event could cause problems in the natural environment of the islands.

Researchers from Oxitec created sterile male mosquitoes by manipulating the DNA of insects. Three million mutant mosquitoes were released in order to breed with female mosquitoes of the same species. It is expected that the mating could not have offspring, so the number of mosquitoes would be much lower. Only female mosquitoes "sting" humans and are responsible for disseminating diseases, according to the publication.

From May to October 2010, the mutant mosquitoes. For the month of August, a decline in the population of 80% was reported compared to nearby areas where mosquitoes were not released. Scientists hope that the reduction of mosquitoes will result in fewer cases of dengue in humans.

The global incidence of dengue has increased significantly in recent decades. Dengue is an infection that is transmitted through mosquito bites that cause a flu-like illness , that when it gets complicated it could become dengue hemorrhagic, conditionlife-threatening who has it, according to data from the World Health Organization.

It is estimated that 40% of the world's population is at risk of contracting the disease.

Video Medicine: Genetically Modified Mosquitoes | HHMI BioInteractive Video (April 2024).