Mosquito and Virus Interaction

Scientist have discovered Dengue Fever to only occur as a result of specific interaction between mosquito and virus strains 

 

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aedes_aegypti.jpg

           

     When the right strain of mosquito meets the right strain of Dengue a genetic interaction occurs between them and Dengue infection occurs. Researchers discovered that mosquitoes can be susceptible to a certain strain of the Dengue virus, and at the same time they can be resistant to another.  

      
     Although scientist suggest there are genetic interactions occurring between the mosquito and the virus, they have never been mapped onto the chromosome of the mosquito. Therefore understanding exactly where the genes are interacting is unknown. 

     What's next? 

      

      Scientists hope to determine the genetic factors in Aedes aegypti that lead to Dengue Fever by creating finer mapping of the mosquitoes chromosomes. They believe this research is crucial and it may be a the foundation for other studies to completely stop the mosquitoes from transmitting the virus.

      Possible areas for Dengue Fever management include interrupting the transmission of Dengue in the mosquito and interrupting the cycle of the disease in the human host. Scientists hope the information gained from further research into these areas may provide possible drug targets to control the disease. Researchers believe that it may be necessary to genetically modify Dengue resistant mosquitoes. Oppositions claim this theory may be dangerous. The jury is still out whether genetically modified Aedes aegypti is our strongest defense against Dengue Fever.




     http://www.dw.de/thai-french-genetic-investigation-of-dengue-fever-reveals-a-fussy-little-disease/a-17162657

     Halstead, S. B. (2008). Dengue virus-mosquito interactions. Annu. Rev. Entomol., 53, 273-291.

 

     Rosen, L., Roseboom, L. E., Gubler, D. J., Lien, J. C., & Chaniotis, B. N. (1985). Comparative susceptibility of mosquito species and strains to oral and parenteral infection with dengue and Japanese encephalitis viruses. The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 34(3), 603.