Wenfei Zhang

College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Journal of Mosquito Research, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0013
Received: 10 Mar., 2024    Accepted: 20 Apr., 2024    Published: 10 May, 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhang W.F., 2024, Impact of genetic control techniques on mosquito populations, Journal of Mosquito Research, 14(3): 124-134 (doi: 10.5376/jmr.2024.14.0013)

Mosquito populations pose significant global public health challenges due to their role in transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika. Controlling mosquito populations is thus critical for reducing these health impacts. This study explores various genetic control techniques, including the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal (RIDL), gene drive systems, and Wolbachia-based strategies. Through detailed case studies from Brazil, Africa, and Australia, this study examines the mechanisms of action, including genetic modification, population suppression, and population replacement; additionally, analyzes the ecological and evolutionary impacts, discussing potential benefits and risks. To fully understand the challenges and opportunities in implementing these technologies, this study also explores ethical, social, and regulatory considerations. Our findings underscore the importance of advancing genetic control technologies and addressing associated challenges to improve public health outcomes. This study concludes with a summary of key points, implications for public health, and future research directions.

Mosquito control; Genetic modification; Population suppression; Gene drive systems; Wolbachia