Transmission of transgenic mosquito-killing fungi during copulation

Abstract Entomopathogenic fungi engineered to express insect-specific neurotoxins have demonstrated potential as microbial control agents against malaria mosquitoes. Currently, the primary application method is via direct contact of spores with indoor resting mosquitoes. However, many malaria-transm...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Etienne Bilgo, Brian Lovett, Abel Souro Millogo, Issiaka Sare, Edounou Jacques Gnambani, Raymond St. Leger, Abdoulaye Diabaté
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-01-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83242-5
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Entomopathogenic fungi engineered to express insect-specific neurotoxins have demonstrated potential as microbial control agents against malaria mosquitoes. Currently, the primary application method is via direct contact of spores with indoor resting mosquitoes. However, many malaria-transmitting mosquitoes feed and rest outdoors. To target these, we have developed an alternative application method that exploits the lethality of transgenic fungi as a sexually transmitted mosquito disease. This approach has both a wider interdisciplinary significance and important implications for preventing mosquito-borne diseases.
ISSN:2045-2322