This paper found Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with Wolbachia are highly resistant to infection with two currently circulating Zika virus isolates from the recent Brazilian epidemic. Mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia displayed lower prevalence and intensity of Zika virus and did not carry infectious virus in the saliva‚ suggesting that transmission was blocked. The researchers conclude that use of mosquitoes with Wolbachia could represent an effective mechanism to reduce Zika virus transmission and should be included as part of Zika control strategies.
Want to learn more about the World Mosquito Program and our sustainable and nature-based Wolbachia method?
Be part of our journey to protect the lives of millions of people.
Subscribe to our newsletter to up to date with global progress in the fight against mosquito-borne disesases.