Genetic control of Aedes mosquitoes

Abstract

Aedes mosquitoes include important vector species such as Aedes aegypti, the major vector of dengue. Genetic control methods are being developed for several of these species, stimulated by an urgent need owing to the poor effectiveness of current methods combined with an increase in chemical pesticide resistance. In this review we discuss the various genetic strategies that have been proposed, their present status, and future prospects. We focus particularly on those methods that are already being tested in the field, including RIDL and Wolbachia-based approaches.

Keywords:

• Aedes
• Genetic engineering
• RIDL
• SIT
• IIT
• Wolbachia
• Dengue

We thank Stephen Dobson, Hervé Bossin, and Mark Benedict for helpful comments on the manuscript and Pam Gray for proof-reading. Final content remains the responsibility of the authors.

Notes

a Genetic control may be defined as “Dissemination, by mating or inheritance, of factors that reduce pest damage" and area-wide control as "Reducing pest damage using measures whose effectiveness depends on application over large expanses” (Mark Benedict, pers. comm.). All proposed genetic strategies are intended for area-wide use, though the minimum useful area varies by species and strategy.

b One exception might be ‘paratransgenesis’, the use of modified microbes to change the phenotype of insects with which the microbes associate. Depending on the microbe, horizontal transfer of the modified microbe between insects might be possible. Paratransgenesis is not discussed further in this review.

c "http://www.eliminatedengue.com/", accessed 18 Oct 2012 and 17 April 2013.

d "http://www.moscamed.org.br/2012/index.php", "http://www.oxitec.com", accessed 18 Oct 2012.

e "http://www.eliminatedengue.com", accessed 17 April 2013.