Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 124-134 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 124 Research Insight Open Access Impact of Genetic Control Techniques on Mosquito Populations Wenfei Zhang College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, Hainan, China Corresponding email: wenfei2007@163.com Journal of Mosquito Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0013 Received: 10 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 20 Apr., 2024 Published: 10 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang W.F., 2024, Impact of genetic control techniques on mosquito populations, Journal of Mosquito Research, 14(3): 124-134 (doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0013) Abstract Mosquito populations pose significant global public health challenges due to their role in transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika. Controlling mosquito populations is thus critical for reducing these health impacts. This study explores various genetic control techniques, including the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal (RIDL), gene drive systems, and Wolbachia-based strategies. Through detailed case studies from Brazil, Africa, and Australia, this study examines the mechanisms of action, including genetic modification, population suppression, and population replacement; additionally, analyzes the ecological and evolutionary impacts, discussing potential benefits and risks. To fully understand the challenges and opportunities in implementing these technologies, this study also explores ethical, social, and regulatory considerations. Our findings underscore the importance of advancing genetic control technologies and addressing associated challenges to improve public health outcomes. This study concludes with a summary of key points, implications for public health, and future research directions. Keywords Mosquito control; Genetic modification; Population suppression; Gene drive systems; Wolbachia 1 Introduction Mosquito populations, particularly those of the Aedes aegypti species, have a profound impact on global public health due to their role as vectors for several debilitating diseases, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever (Joyce et al., 2018). These diseases pose significant health burdens worldwide (Shragai et al., 2017), with millions of cases reported annually, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality (Wang et al., 2021). The geographical distribution of these mosquito species is extensive, covering tropical, subtropical, and even some temperate regions, which exacerbates the challenge of controlling their populations and the diseases they transmit (Liu et al., 2020). The importance of controlling mosquito populations cannot be overstated. Traditional methods, such as insecticides and environmental management, have proven insufficient in eradicating these vectors and the diseases they spread (Paixão et al., 2017). The persistence and adaptability of mosquito populations necessitate innovative and sustainable control strategies. Genetic control techniques, including the use of pathogen-blocking bacteria like Wolbachia and genome engineering-based strategies such as gene drives, have emerged as promising solutions to reduce mosquito populations and interrupt disease transmission (Kotsakiozi et al., 2017). This study aims to evaluate the impact of genetic control techniques on mosquito populations. By synthesizing recent research findings, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness, challenges, and future potential of these innovative control methods; covers various genetic control strategies, their implementation in different regions, and their outcomes in reducing mosquito populations and disease transmission. The scope includes analyzing the latest developments in genetic control technologies, comparing their efficacy and sustainability, and discussing the ecological and ethical considerations associated with their use. By reviewing a wide range of studies, this study will offer insights into the current state of genetic control techniques and their role in the global effort to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
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