Speaker
Description
Purvi Tejaswi Rao, N.Kushalva Priya, Prathiksha MA, Akshatha Banadka
Dengue is a viral disease spread primarily by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions. It is caused by four different serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1 to DENV-4), with Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes being the main carriers. The illness can be evident in various forms, from the relatively mild dengue fever to more severe conditions such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome. Traditional dengue control efforts have relied heavily on insecticides. However, the growing resistance among mosquito populations has significantly reduced the effectiveness of these chemical treatments. This has led to an exploration of alternative strategies, one of which involves the use of Wolbachia pipientis, a bacterium that, when introduced into mosquito populations, inhibits the replication of dengue viruses. Wolbachia induces cytoplasmic incompatibility in mosquitoes, which decreases their ability to reproduce and shortens their lifespan, thereby curbing the spread of the virus. Field experiments in countries like Australia and Indonesia have shown a notable reduction in dengue cases following the release of mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia. While this approach holds promise, it is not without challenges, such as potential ecological consequences, ethical considerations, and the need for careful public engagement. Despite these concerns, the use of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes presents a potentially sustainable and effective method for controlling dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. Ensuring the long-term success of this strategy will require ongoing research, monitoring, and active involvement from the community.
