Scientists from the University
of California
A mosquito that has been genetically altered could lead to
the end of malaria.
The bug makes antibodies that interfere with the deadly
parasite’s life cycle and stop it passing to humans.
The vital trait was passed on to 99.5% of the mosquito’s
offspring, which scientists called “astonishing”.
Despite a 60% reduction in death rates since 2000, the
malaria death toll is expected to reach 438,000 this year, according to the
World Health Organisation .
Malaria is contracted when a bite from a female mosquito
carrying the malaria parasite is released into the bloodstream.
It multiplies in the liver before re-entering the
bloodstream to attack the red blood cells.
California University Professor Anthony James said:
“This opens up the
real promise that this technique can be adapted for eliminating malaria.
“This is a
significant first step. We know the gene works. The mosquitoes we created are
not the final brand, but we know this technology allows us to efficiently
create large populations.”
Further work will be needed to confirm the effectiveness of
the antibodies, paving the way to field trials, said the researchers writing in
the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
They concluded: “Strains based on this technology could
sustain control and elimination as part of the malaria eradication agenda.”
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