Zika virus could be tackled by transgenic mosquitoes, says Panama institute

RESEARCHERS in Panama have developed a possible strategy to combat the spread of the Zika through the release of sterile male mosquitoes to combat population numbers of the virus-carrying insect.

The Gorgas Institute for Health Studies (ICGES) in Panama came across the idea last year when they were doing research on the Aedes aegypti mosquito to tackle dengue and chikungunya.

According to the findings, the release of genetically-modified Aedes aegypti male mosquitoes into the female population could dramatically reduce re-production.

“If you go to a community and you release genetically-modified mosquitoes in a continuos manner for six months then the numbers of the mosquito which transmits dengue, chikungunya and in this case Zika almost disappears,” said Nestor Sosa, Gorgas Institute Director.

The Institute tested its hypothesis in a small town outside of Panama City. Researchers found a dramatic reduction in the mosquito population from the sixth week of the experiment.

“We did this in an area with about 200 homes, about 1,000 people, a neighbourhood called Ocho Rios and it was a success, a complete scientific success because in the sixth, seventh week to the end of the experiment there were no female mosquitos which transmitted the virus, just the male mosquitos which we freed and do not bite,” added Sosa.

By reducing the population of female mosquitos, the carriers of the virus, scientists believe inroads can be made into the spread of the disease.

However, researchers are currently exploring the possibly of Zika spreading through sexual transmission after a report from a Texan health official on a recent U.S. case of the virus.

“The majority of cases are happening in Brazil, Colombia, also in Micronesia, places where there are mosquitoes. So were they infected from mosquitoes or was it sexual transmission? Evidently now the most important thing is the mosquito, 99.9% of evidence identifies the mosquito (as transmitter of the virus). Obviously, scientists are looking to see if sexual transmission is possible,” said Sosa.

The virus, linked to severe birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil, is spreading rapidly in the Americas.

The WHO said at least 26 countries in the Americas have a Zika outbreak, and countries such as Ireland, Australia and Canada have reported cases of travellers testing positive for the virus after visiting an infected area. (Reuters)