Genetic approaches to achieve population modulation of vector insects

Genetic Approaches to Achieve Population Modulation of Vector Insects

Anthony A. James, Departments of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine CA 92697-3900 USA

Genetic control strategies targeting vector mosquitoes seek either to suppress population sizes or make them incapable of transmitting pathogens (transmission-inhibited populations). These strategies share an important property in that they use the innate behavior of mosquitoes to find one another as a solution to reach both easily-accessible and hard-to-reach target populations. Advances will be highlighted in the development of genetically-modified mosquitoes to combat transmission of dengue viruses and malaria parasites. Aspects of the regulatory and social responsibilities for the use of these mosquitoes also will be discussed.