PREVENTION OF INSECT-BORNE DISEASE - AN APPROACH USING TRANSGENIC SYMBIOTIC BACTERIA

Expression of molecules with antiparasitic activity by genetically tra nsformed symbiotic bacteria of disease-transmitting insects may serve as a powerful approach to control cer tain arthropod-borne diseases. T he endosymbiont of the Chagas disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus, has b een transformed to express cecropin A, a peptide lethal to the parasit e, Trypanosoma cruzi. In insects carrying the transformed bacteria, ce cropin A expression results in elimination or reduction in number of T . cruzi. A method has been devised to spread the transgenic bacteria t o populations of R. prolixus. in a manner that mimics their natural co prophagous route of symbiont acquisition.