Genetic manipulation of endosymbionts to control vector and vector borne diseases

Abstract

Vector borne diseases (VBD) are on the rise because of failure of the existing methods of control of vector and vector borne diseases and the climate change. A steep rise of VBDs are due to several factors like selection of insecticide resistant vector population, drug resistant parasite population and lack of effective vaccines against the VBDs. Environmental pollution, public health hazard and insecticide resistant vector population indicate that the insecticides are no longer a sustainable control method of vector and vector-borne diseases. Amongst the various alternative control strategies, symbiont based approach utilizing endosymbionts of arthropod vectors could be explored to control the vector and vector borne diseases. The endosymbiont population of arthropod vectors could be exploited in different ways viz., as a chemotherapeutic target, vaccine target for the control of vectors. Expression of molecules with antiparasitic activity by genetically transformed symbiotic bacteria of disease-transmitting arthropods may serve as a powerful approach to control certain arthropod-borne diseases. Genetic transformation of symbiotic bacteria of the arthropod vector to alter the vector's ability to transmit pathogen is an alternative means of blocking the transmission of VBDs. In Indian scenario, where dengue, chikungunya, malaria and filariosis are prevalent, paratransgenic based approach can be used effectively.

The knowledge, attitude and practices regarding commonly occurring mosquito borne diseases among people in catering area of urban health and training centre

“…Similar result were found by Malhotra et al and De et al 6,10 Majority of respondents knew about the common breeding sites of mosquito which were dirty water (72.22%), water storage jars/coolers/pots/tyres/empty containers (57.14%). It is consistent with the results shown by Malhotra et al 10 Mosquito repellent mat/coil/liquid vaporizer (68.01%) was most commonly use to prevent mosquito bite which is consistent to result shown by Kumar et al, De et al and Virk et al, Malhotra et al 3,6,9,10 90.06% respondent accepted that mosquito borne diseases are preventable as found by Malhotra et al (94.13%). 10 Study revealed that television (68.63%) was most common source of knowledge about mosquito borne disease which is consistent with findings of Kumar et al, Malhotra et al, De et al and Virk et al 6,7,9,10 Majority of respondents think that preventing water stagnation in discarded empty container/pot/tyres will eradicate breeding sites.…”

“…A steep rise of VBDs is due to several factors such as selection of insecticide resistant vector population, drug resistant parasite population, and lack of effective vaccines against VBDs. 3 Recently, it has been suggested that VBDs incidence is between 9 and 50 times greater than reported with approximately 13 fold under estimation of malaria-related mortality. 4 The failure to cap the resurgence of VBDs and the continuing increased incidence of them is warranting a more proactive approach for their prevention.…”

Endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia: Emerged as a weapon in the war against mosquito born diseases

“…A study in India demonstrated that paratransgenic based approach can be used effectively, where dengue, chikungunya, malaria and filariosis are prevalent (Gupta et al, 2012). Wolbachia are common intracellular bacteria that are found in many terrestrial arthropodsand nematodes.…”

“…Recent study reported that Vector borne diseases (VBD) are increasing because of the climate change and failure of the existing methods of vector control and vector borne diseases. Moreover, a sudden increase of VBDs is reported due to many factors like insecticide resistant vector population, drug resistant parasite population and lack of effective vaccines against the VBDs, and thus insecticides are no longer a sustainable control method of vector and vector-borne diseases due to environmental pollution, public health hazard and insecticide resistant vector population (Gupta et al, 2012). Despite the existence of a variety of vector control measures, disease incidence is usually growing, and therefore there is an urgent need to develop new and effective control approaches (McGraw and O'Neill, 2013), because no effective vaccines or treatments against vector bore diseases exist (Wilder et al, 2010) and control methods are failing to prevent the global increase in the incidence of the disease (Ricci et al, 2011a).…”

Study on awareness about vector borne diseases and education about preventive measures in rural field practice areas of Kurnool medical college, Kurnool

“…Malaria, the most deadly VBD, caused an estimated 627,000 deaths of insecticide resistant vector population, drug resistant parasite population, and lack of effective vaccines against VBDs. [2] Recently, it has been suggested that VBDs incidence is bet ween 9 and 50 times greater than reported with approximately 13 fold under estimation of malaria-related mortality. [3] The failure to cap the resurgence of VBDs and the continuing increased incidence of them is warranting a more proactive approach for their prevention.…”