Wolbachia is the key bacteria to kill tiger mosquitoes in Spain
‘Wolbachia‘. This is the name of bacteria that may play an important role in preventing the spread of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in Spain.
This was reported by the scientific journal “Insects’ with the publication of the study’Wolbachia infection by hybridization to enhance suppression of Aedes albopictus by incompatible insect techniques in eastern Spain.”
An entomologist and technical director of Rentokil Initial took part in the study. Ruben Buenotogether with other researchers from the University of Valencia and the Italian National Agency for Biotechnology, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development.
What is Wolbachia?
“Wolbachia” is a variety gram negative bacteria which lives inside insect bacteria and appears naturally, passing from one generation to another through the eggs of its hosts.
About 6 in 10 of all insect species in the world have Wolbachia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, Wolbachia bacteria cannot cause disease in humans. People nor to animals such as fish, birds or pets.
Related investigation
In the study, the Wolbachia strain was introduced into the Asian tiger mosquito population through a hybridization process with the ARwP laboratory.
Crossing male insects infected with this bacterium with uninfected females results in cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). In this regard, eggs obtained from males of hybrid lines and unmodified wild females were 99.9% sterile.
This result is encouraging as it helps control the spread of tiger mosquitoes. It also reflected the importance of addressing new challenges in environmental health and coordination performance pest control methods to protect the population from diseases transmitted vectors.
Danger of the tiger mosquito
The insect is called ‘Aedes Albopictus‘. Its size ranges from 5 to 10 millimeters and is black. They are grown in containers where stagnant water accumulates for more than a week.
The tiger mosquito originates in Southeast Asian. Its ability to transmit diseases such as Zika virusHe chikungunya or dengue, makes this type of mosquito fearful throughout Spain.
Additionally, the risk of outbreaks increases with the tiger mosquito as it is able to thrive and adapt to its environment. urban environment.
Spain recorded the arrival of this mosquito in 2004. After 20 years, the species spread to 40 provinces. Since then, up to 16 cases of indigenous dengue fever have been reported in Spain, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. 2018.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel and don’t miss the latest news and updates from anten3noticias.com.