Researchers Work on Malaria-Resistant Mosquitoes　(2/2)

Their advice could change in the future with the help of mosquitoes genetically engineered to block development of the parasite. In other words, they would not be able to spread the disease. Computer studies show that if malaria control is to succeed, insects like these are needed to replace mosquitoes in the wild.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in the United States reported on their work in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They put equal numbers of malaria-resistant mosquitoes in a box with other mosquitoes. The insects mated, and all of them fed on mice infected with the malaria parasite.

The researchers took eggs produced by the mosquitoes and kept them until they became adult mosquitoes. These insects were then permitted to feed on infected mice. The researchers did this again and again. After 9 generations, 70% of the mosquitoes were malaria-resistant.

Earlier studies showed that disease-resistant mosquitoes would die early and not be able to replace wild ones. But in the new research, the scientists say they developed stronger mosquitoes. In any case, malaria-resistant mosquitoes might still need to be used in combination with drugs and insect poisons to control the disease.