Bacterial symbiosis in arthropods and the control of disease transmission

Bacterial symbionts may be used as vehicles for expressing foreign genes in arthropods. Expression of selected genes can render an arthropod incapable of transmitting a second microorganism that is pathogenic for humans and i s an alternative approach to the control of arthropod-borne diseases. We di scuss the rationale for this alternative approach, its potential applicatio ns and limitations, and the regulatory concerns that may arise from its use in interrupting disease transmission in humans and animals.