Current trends of Wolbachia for vector control

Ha Young-Ran, Chang Kyu-Sik, Cho Shin-Hyeong
Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases, KCDC

Insect-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya pose threats to global health. These are particularly transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite efforts to control them, existing methods for controlling these diseases, such as the application of insecticides or physical removal of breeding sites, have several limitations. Therefore, novel vector control approaches are needed. The transinfection of mosquitoes with the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia has emerged as a novel strategy to limit mosquito populations and their subsequent ability to transmit pathogens. Various Wolbachia strains affect the populations, and reproduction of mosquitoes, and the replication ability of pathogens. Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes have been released in several countries where outbreaks of vector-borne diseases occur. Wolbachia transinfection is a prospective solution for vector control and vector-borne diseases.

Keywords: Wolbachia, Insecta, Insect control, Mosquito vectors