Genetic Modification Technologies and Microbial Interventions for Mosquito Control: Recent Advances in Biological...

Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose major global public health challenges, while increasing insecticide resistance and environmental concerns necessitate the development of sustainable alternatives to conventional vector control. This review evaluates recent advances in biological mosquito control, focusing on genetic modification technologies, Wolbachia -based interventions, and entomopathogenic fungi.

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Literature published between 2000 and 2025 was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies investigating mosquito-targeted biological interventions were critically evaluated through qualitative evidence synthesis and methodological quality assessment.

The included studies demonstrated variable levels of evidence across intervention types. SIT and selected genetically engineered population-suppression approaches produced substantial reductions in mosquito abundance under field or operational conditions, whereas CRISPR/Cas9 and gene-drive technologies remained supported predominantly by laboratory or contained experimental evidence. Wolbachia population-replacement interventions generated the strongest community-level epidemiological evidence, including reductions in dengue incidence following successful establishment. Entomopathogenic fungi reduced adult mosquito survival mainly under laboratory and semi-field conditions. Across interventions, effectiveness depended on ecological context, operational capacity, surveillance, regulatory requirements, and community engagement.

Biological control technologies provide environmentally sustainable and species-specific alternatives to chemical insecticides. Their successful integration into Integrated Vector Management requires continued ecological monitoring, regulatory oversight, multidisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement to ensure safe and effective large-scale implementation.