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Maintaining Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Infected with Wolbachia
Published on: August 14, 2017
Strategies to Mitigate Establishment under the Wolbachia Incompatible Insect Technique
Stacy Soh1, Soon Hoe Ho1, Janet Ong1
1Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore 138667, Singapore.
Abstract:
The Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) strategy involves the release of male mosquitoes infected with the bacterium Wolbachia. Regular releases of male Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes can lead to the suppression of mosquito populations, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue. However, due to imperfect sex-sorting under IIT, fertile Wolbachia-infected female mosquitoes may potentially be unintentionally released into the environment, which may result in replacement and failure to suppress the mosquito populations. As such, mitigating Wolbachia establishment requires a combination of IIT with other strategies. We introduced a simple compartmental model to simulate ex-ante mosquito population dynamics subjected to a Wolbachia-IIT programme. In silico, we explored the risk of replacement, and strategies that could mitigate the establishment of the released Wolbachia strain in the mosquito population. Our results suggest that mitigation may be achieved through the application of a sterile insect technique. Our simulations indicate that these interventions do not override the intended wild type suppression of the IIT approach. These findings will inform policy makers of possible ways to mitigate the potential establishment of Wolbachia using the IIT population control strategy.
Insights
Releasing sterile male mosquitoes with Wolbachia can suppress populations and reduce disease. Combining this with sterile insect technique can prevent unwanted Wolbachia establishment, ensuring effective mosquito control.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Vector Control
- Mathematical Modeling
Background:
- The Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) uses Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes to suppress wild populations.
- Unintentional release of fertile females can lead to Wolbachia establishment and population replacement, hindering disease control.
- Mitigating Wolbachia establishment is crucial for the success of IIT programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a model simulating mosquito population dynamics under a Wolbachia-IIT program.
- To explore the risk of Wolbachia establishment and identify mitigation strategies.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of combining IIT with other methods.
Main Methods:
- A simple compartmental model was developed to simulate mosquito population dynamics.
- In silico experiments were conducted to assess the risk of Wolbachia replacement.
- The model was used to test strategies for mitigating Wolbachia establishment.
Main Results:
- The study identified the risk of fertile female mosquito release under IIT.
- Sterile insect technique was found to be a potential strategy to mitigate Wolbachia establishment.
- Simulations showed that mitigation strategies do not interfere with wild-type population suppression.
Conclusions:
- Combining IIT with sterile insect technique can effectively mitigate Wolbachia establishment.
- This integrated approach can enhance the success of mosquito population control programs.
- Findings provide insights for policymakers on optimizing Wolbachia-based vector control strategies.
