Why is it in the news?

• Mosquitoes have plagued humans for millions of years, transmitting diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, and more.
• Rapid urbanization and climate change have exacerbated mosquito-borne diseases, necessitating innovative mosquito control methods.

Genetic Modification in Mosquitoes

• GM mosquitoes are produced in laboratories. They carry two types of genes:
• A self-limiting gene that prevents female mosquito offspring from reaching adulthood.
• A fluorescent marker gene for easy identification in the wild.
• These modifications are essential due to mosquito resistance to insecticides and treatments.
• The modified mosquitoes have a shorter lifespan due to peptides impairing the malarial parasite’s development.
• Gene drive technology is a powerful tool, combined with drugs, vaccines, and mosquito control, to combat malaria and save human lives.

Pros of Genetically modified mosquitoes

• Successful use in various regions to control specific mosquito species.
• Target only the desired mosquito species, sparing other types.
• No known risks to people, animals, or the environment.
• Expected reduction in disease-carrying mosquito populations over time.
• Limited impact on local environments due to invasive mosquito species.
• No addition of pesticides to the environment.
• Relatively easy and low-manpower process for seeding areas with GMO male mosquitoes.

Cons of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

• Concerns about potential unknown pathogens carried or developed by GMO mosquitoes.
• Insufficient testing and observation of GMO mosquitoes, according to critics.
• Potential disruption of native species reliant on GMO mosquitoes for their diet.
• Possibility of GMO mosquitoes mutating into stronger, reproductive forms.
• Fear that some hatched GMO mosquitoes may survive and breed.
• High cost and time-consuming production of GMO mosquitoes.

Way Forward

• Careful planning to minimize risks in field trials.
• Implementation of integrated mosquito management, including community education, surveillance, larvicides, and insecticides.
• Elimination of standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.
• Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of mosquito control programs.