Bacteria that can destroy the tiger mosquito in Spain

Science Magazine “Insects” publishes research in which he shows that Bacteria “Wolbachia” can play a key role in stop the spread of the tiger mosquito in Spain (‘Aedes albopictus’), vector illnesses How dengueHe Zika or Chikungunya.

This study is “Wolbachia infection through hybridization to enhance suppression of Aedes albopictus using incompatible insect control methods in eastern Spain.” investigation in which Ruben Bueno took partentomologist and technical director of Rentokil Initial, together with other researchers from University of Valencia

‘Wolbachia’ this is a genre bacteria gram-negative type, which infects arthropod species and it occurs naturally, being responsible for phenomena that alter the reproductive biology of the hosts. Crossings between males infected with this bacterium and uninfected females strain causes cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), that is, a condition egg sterility. Something that scientists believe can be used as a vector control tool.

To conduct the study, the “Wolbachia” strain was introduced into the Asian tiger mosquito population by hybridization with the laboratory strain ARwP, which had already been tested as a vector control tool. Consequently, eggs produced between males of hybrid lines And wild females were unchanged 99.9 percent sterility, a result that shows the viability of the tiger mosquito control program in Spain using Wolbachia.

For experts, the use of Wolbachia bacteria means a decisive step in the fight against tiger mosquitoes and shows the importance of addressing new environmental health issues. However, it is critical to coordinate the implementation of effective pest management practices to protect communities from vector-borne diseases.

Tiger mosquito, native to Southeast Asianhas become one of the mosquito species that the most alarming thing in Spain due to its ability to transmit diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus and chikungunya. In addition, it stands out for its ability to reproduce and adapt, being insect capable of life especially in urban environments, thereby increasing risk of epidemic outbreaks.

Tiger mosquito has been discovered for the first time in Spain in 2004. Since then, the species has managed to establish itself in 40 Spanish provinces. In addition, there is also a risk of contracting diseases such as coronavirus. ZikaHe Chikungunya or dengue. In fact, when it comes to dengue, a total of 16 cases have been reported in Spain since 2018. root cases of dengueThis is evidenced by data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The development of vaccines and drugs, as well as strategies to prevent and control large mosquito populations, has had limited success, experts say. And in recent years pest control companies They also face new problem: insecticide resistance in arboviral vectors (viruses transmitted by arthropods), which is a critical problem for which new control strategies are already being developed.