Genetically Engineered Mosquitos Are 100 Percent Resistant to Malaria

Scientists have bred mosquitos in a lab that are completely resistant to malaria. This was achieved by inserting genetic information into the mosquito’s genome. In the study the genetically altered mosquitos were not infected by the parasite that causes malaria in humans. The genetic information that makes the mosquito’s resistant to malaria also shortens the mosquito’s life span. This could also help prevent the spread of malaria because the malaria parasite needs twelve to sixteen days to develop in the mosquito before it can infect humans. The genetically altered mosquitos would most likely die before the parasite could mature. 100 Percent resistance was needed if malaria is to ever be wiped out. Scientists say that if only 97 percent of mosquitos had resistance, the remaining three percent would eventually build themselves back up over a few generations and malaria would continue to be a threat. Currently there are no vaccines available for malaria, so this seems like a good idea. Scientists are keeping the mosquitos securely in a lab until they figure out a way to ensure that these new mosquitos will eventually replace native ones that can carry the malaria parasite. This seems like an amazing way of getting rid of malaria without pesticides and without killing off mosquitos entirely. I can’t help but wonder what negative consequences could possibly arise from this type of action. Is it wise to attempt to replace a natural species with one that was genetically engineered?

Schmidt, Laurie J. “Genetically engineered Mosquitoes are 100 Percent Resistant to Malaria Parasite.” PopSci. Popular Science, 15 Jul. 2010. Web. 12 Apr. 2011. <http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-07/genetically-engineered-mosquitoes-are-100-percent-resistant-malaria-parasite>