Awareness and Support of Release of Genetically Modified “Sterile” Mosquitoes, Key West, Florida, USA

Ernst, Kacey C.; Haenchen, Steven; Dickinson, Katherine L.; Doyle, Michael Scott; Walker, Kathleen; Monaghan, Andrew J.; Hayden, Mary H.

doi:10.3201/eid2102.141035

Cited by 30 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Recent advances in the use of transgenic release strategies for vector control have highlighted the critical importance of effective community engagement prior to the use of new mosquito control technologies, particularly when genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are being considered [ 18 , 24 – 27 ]. Others and we have proposed the use of larvicidal genetically modified microbes that express interfering RNA [ 16 , 17 , 28 , 29 ] and recognize the importance of engaging the communities in which such interventions could potentially be used.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mosquito control practices and perceptions: An analysis of economic stakeholders during the Zika epidemic in Belize, Central America

et al. 2018

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The tourist-based economy of Belize, a tropical hub for eco-tourism, is at high risk to be disproportionately impacted by established and emerging mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika. An online survey was used to probe economic stakeholders working in the Belize tourism industry about their mosquito control practices and perceptions. Responses demonstrated that the respondents have good working knowledge of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. Most businesses surveyed engage in some means of mosquito control, either through larval source reduction or use of insecticides on the premises. Larvicide use was significantly correlated with a general willingness to use insecticides, as well as belief that treatment of water will reduce mosquito densities and disease transmission. A majority of the respondents agreed that they would be interested in buying a new larvicide to be used on the business premises if it were shown to be safe and effective. The safety of mosquito control products for humans, animals, plants, and the environment in general, followed by product effectiveness, are the most critical determinants of mosquito control purchasing decisions. A majority of respondents agreed that control of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses is central to the success of their tourist-based industry. Respondents expressed significant concern that the Zika epidemic was over-sensationalized by the media, and that this negatively impacted their livelihoods. The respondents, many of whom are associated with eco/sustainable businesses, also voiced concerns that chemical pesticides could have a negative impact on human health and the environment and expressed a desire for balance between effective mosquito control and preservation of the rich biodiversity of Belize. This study provided a framework for further engagement activities in Belize and other Caribbean nations, uncovered both concerns and support for emerging mosquito control technologies, and revealed opportunities for further debate and educational outreach efforts.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mosquito control practices and perceptions: An analysis of economic stakeholders during the Zika epidemic in Belize, Central America

et al. 2018

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“…Males are considered unimportant, as they lack a role in disease transmission. However, as control strategies begin relying on releases of genetically modified males ( Carvalho et al 2015 , Ernst et al 2015 ) or Wolbachia -infected males/SIT ( Ritchie et al 2015 ), a reliable trapping mechanism for male mosquitoes must be designed to efficiently monitor released males and the spread of the trait in male progeny. Male Ae.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Temperature and Body Size on Fundamental Flight Tone Variation in the Mosquito Vector Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): Implications for Acoustic Lures

Villarreal

Winokur

Harrington

2017

Journal of Medical Entomology

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Aedes aegypti (L.) males use female flight tone as a means of mate localization. By playing the sound of a flying female, males can be attracted to a trap to monitor mosquito populations and the progress of transgenic male releases. However, the female flight tone used to attract males needs to be optimized to maximize trap effectiveness. The fundamental frequency of female flight tone could be influenced by both body size and ambient temperature. However, no analysis yet has considered both the effect of body size and temperature on female flight tone of Ae. aegypti. Here, we present results for both these factors by recording the sounds of free-flying and tethered females across multiple temperature environments and with females reared for small, medium, and large body sizes. We demonstrate that female fundamental frequency is highly dependent on the environmental temperature, increasing ∼8–13 Hz with each °C gain. Body size and whether a female was tethered or free-flying did not impact the relationship between frequency and temperature, although further analysis is warranted. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between flight tone and temperature, and will inform the design of male mosquito traps.

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“…The quest to better understand these cardinal building blocks coordinating filarial parasites’ adaptation, survival, development, and other physiological activities within the vector will unveil hidden ‘golden nuggets’ required to design novel transmission-blocking chemotherapeutics, vaccines, and potent effector molecules for transgenic mosquito applications. Transgenic mosquito technologies have become a powerful tool for propelling vector control research in designing novel control methods with promising effectiveness; nevertheless, to gainfully utilize the potential of these emerging hi-tech control strategies, an effective dialogue with the public and the stakeholders, as well as resolving issues regarding the licensed deployment of engineered mosquitoes in nature, is crucial [ 78 , 79 , 80 ]. Overall, considerable progress has been made in the global control of LF, but achieving the projected elimination target is now clearly uncertain.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mosquitoes and the Lymphatic Filarial Parasites: Research Trends and Budding Roadmaps to Future Disease Eradication

Famakinde

2018

TropicalMed

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The mosquito-borne lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic, neglected tropical disease that imposes an unbearable human scourge. Despite the unprecedented efforts in mass drug administration (MDA) and morbidity management, achieving the global LF elimination slated for the year 2020 has been thwarted by limited MDA coverage and ineffectiveness in the chemotherapeutic intervention. Moreover, successful and sustainable elimination of mosquito-vectored diseases is often encumbered by reintroduction and resurgence emanating from human residual or new infections being widely disseminated by the vectors even when chemotherapy proves effective, but especially in the absence of effective vaccines. This created impetus for strengthening the current defective mosquito control approach, and profound research in vector–pathogen systems and vector biology has been pushing the boundaries of ideas towards developing refined vector-harnessed control strategies. Eventual implementation of these emerging concepts will offer a synergistic approach that will not only accelerate LF elimination, but also augurs well for its future eradication. This brief review focuses on advances in mosquito–filaria research and considers the emerging prospects for future eradication of LF.

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Awareness and Support of Release of Genetically Modified “Sterile” Mosquitoes, Key West, Florida, USA

Cited by 30 publications

References 11 publications

Mosquito control practices and perceptions: An analysis of economic stakeholders during the Zika epidemic in Belize, Central America

Mosquito control practices and perceptions: An analysis of economic stakeholders during the Zika epidemic in Belize, Central America

The Impact of Temperature and Body Size on Fundamental Flight Tone Variation in the Mosquito Vector Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): Implications for Acoustic Lures

Mosquitoes and the Lymphatic Filarial Parasites: Research Trends and Budding Roadmaps to Future Disease Eradication

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