A new study has found a way to potentially “vaccinate”
mosquitoes, limiting the vector transmission of arbovirus. Chromobacterium Csp_P
was cultured and fed to mosquitos who had already had their natural microbes
eliminated by a course of antibiotics. Although many of the mosquitos were
killed by the Dengue and Plasmodium falciparum (most deadly parasite for
malaria) infected blood, the survivors were less likely to be infected by the
pathogens. Chromobacterium Csp_P also inhibited the growth of Dengue and Plasmodium
falciparum in vitro, due to compounds the bacteria secretes. The fact that a
number of the mosquitos died could give a mutually beneficial effect- which no
current malarial or dengue control does, but could potentially lead to
favorable selection and rapid evolution. While this research is still in the early
stages and considerable logistical difficulties remain in the implementation of
such results, it could make a serious impact on the future of these diseases.
Madeleine Bousquet
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