Researchers Identify Mosquito Bacteria That Could Be Used To Curb Spread of Malaria, Study Says
A group of scientists has identified a bacteria, called Asaia, in mosquitoes that could be used to curb the spread of malaria, according to a study published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, ANSA reports (ANSA, 5/15). Researchers from five Italian universities examined mosquitoes to determine if any bacteria lived symbiotically inside the insect (Stewart, Reuters, 5/14). According to lead author Guido Favia of the University of Camerino, the researchers found that Asaia "is present in huge quantities in at least three of the mosquitoes associated with malaria, and further studies are confirming it is found in others too" (ANSA, 5/15). The bacteria could be altered genetically to attack malaria parasites when they enter mosquitoes, researcher Daniele Daffonchio of the Universita degli Studi di Milano said. Asaia is found throughout mosquitoes' bodies, including in their reproductive organs, which means an altered bacteria potentially could be spread to offspring. "Instead of spraying chemical or biological pesticides, you could use this symbiotic bacteria that is passed on," Daffonchio said, adding that it could eliminate the need to spray pesticides annually (Reuters, 5/14). According to Favia, the researchers are working with a university in the United Kingdom to modify the bacteria to trigger the production of specific antibodies that would be effective against malaria parasites (ANSA, 5/15).
The study is available online.
