Similar vertical transmission rates of dengue and chikungunya viruses in a transgenic and a non-transformed Aedes aegypti (L.) laboratory strain
- Author:
Mansor, S.M., Haninah A. Ummu, Angamuthu, C., Lee, H.L., Murad, S., Nazni, W.A.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2016;33(1):120-134
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The increase of the burden of dengue and chikungunya and the relative failure of
traditional vector control strategies have highlighted the need to develop new control methods.
RIDL-SIT, a vector control method based on the release of engineered male mosquitoes, has
shown promising results from field trials conducted in the Cayman Islands and Brazil. In large
scale use, a small proportion of females might be released along with the males. Such females
are potential virus vectors; here we investigate the vertical transmission of dengue and
chikungunya of homozygous OX513A females.We provided females of OX513A-My1 and a
wild type comparator strain with blood meals artificially infected with dengue serotype 1, 2,
3, 4 or chikungunya viruses. For 14 days post-feeding, eggs laid by females were collected.
Larvae and their mothers were first tested by qRT-PCR, then by inoculation on cell cultures to
search for infectious viral particles. We found no significant difference between the minimum
infection rate of OX513A-My1 and wild type females. We also discussed the potential number
of females being released, a fraction of the female wild population. Consequently, we conclude
that there are no evidence that OX513A-My females, if released into the environment, would
cause more harm than their wild counterparts.
- Full text:P020160419579613555788.pdf
