Scientists Identify Bacteria That Could Help Us Win Fight Against Mosquitoes

Researchers from the University of Exeter have identified a type of bacteria, Asaia, that accelerates the growth of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae by one day, SciTech Daily reported yesterday.

This breakthrough could enhance mosquito control programs aimed at combating diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.

Current control methods involve releasing sterilized or genetically modified male mosquitoes to reduce disease transmission. The study suggests that incorporating Asaia bacteria into breeding programs could improve the efficiency of producing adult mosquitoes, crucial for these initiatives.

Typically, Aedes aegypti larvae take about ten days to develop. By shortening this period, programs can more rapidly produce millions of mosquitoes for release. The researchers found that Asaia alters the bacterial community in the larvae’s environment, promoting faster growth without providing direct nutritional benefits.

This discovery offers a promising new strategy in the ongoing battle against mosquito-borne illnesses, especially as resistance to conventional insecticides increases.