Genetic modification of mosquitoes to halt Zika virus an interesting idea, says entomologist

University of Manitoba entomologist KaterynRochonsays eradicating the species of mosquitoes that carries the Zika virus could be good for humans.

Researchers suspect the mosquito-bornevirus is linked to rises inmicrocephaly, a condition in whichbabies are born withunusually small heads that can leadto developmental issues or even death.The Word Health Organization has called the Zikavirus a public health emergency of international concern.

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Some scientists are calling for theeradication ofAedesaegypti, the mosquito species that transmits theZikavirus, yellow fever and dengue fever.The Britishbiotechnology companyOxitecis working on genetically modifying mosquito eggs to kill offspringbefore they become adults.

Other scientists are worried that not enough is known about the effects ofgenetically modifying mosquitoes to control the population.

"It's really removing an invasive species like we try to do for other invasive species,either fish or plants or other insects," saidRochon, anassistant professor at the U of M."This is an exciting idea for mosquito control."

People have been genetically modifying plants for years and although the long-term effects of genetically modifying insects are unknown, this approach could help, she said.

Scientists are also researching using a bacteria calledWolbachiato control the mosquito speciesthat transmits the Zika virus. Wolbachia reduces the ability of insects to become infected with viruses, andmosquitoes that have the bacteria pass iton to futuregenerations.

Both genetic modification and the bacteria approach should be used to control the mosquitoes transmitting the Zika virus, she said.

"The sensible way of attacking a problem and increasing our likelihood of control without generating resistance is to try all these different methods," she said.

Using bacteria and genetic modification to control mosquito populations are fairly recentapproaches butthey're good alternatives to pesticides,Rochonsaid.

"Many mosquito species are resistant to a number of pesticides we have in our toolbox," she said. "If we add genetic modification, we can reduce the amountof pesticides we use."

The mosquitoes transmitting the Zika virus would likely be killed off in a certain area, not worldwide, because it's expensive to kill mosquitoes in places where there are no humans,Rochonsaid.

"Even just reducing population and giving us control will make things better for a lot of people," she said."The consequence of eradicatingAedesaegypti, it's looking positive for humans."