Localized Control of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Miami, FL, via Inundative Releases of Wolbachia-Infected Male Mosquitoes

JW Mains, PH Kelly, KL Dobson…�- Journal of medical�…, 2019 - academic.oup.com
JW Mains, PH Kelly, KL Dobson, WD Petrie, SL Dobson
Journal of medical entomology, 2019academic.oup.com
As part of the response to autochthonous Zika transmission in the United States, the City of
South Miami implemented a 6-mo period in which Wolbachia-infected WB1 Aedes aegypti
(L.) males were released into an~ 170-acre area. Intracellular Wolbachia bacteria infections
in Ae. aegypti cause early embryonic arrest (known as cytoplasmic incompatibility [CI]) and
egg hatch failure, and inundative introductions have been suggested as a potential control
tool. Throughout the release period, the Ae. aegypti population was monitored within both�…
Abstract
As part of the response to autochthonous Zika transmission in the United States, the City of South Miami implemented a 6-mo period in which Wolbachia-infected WB1 Aedes aegypti (L.) males were released into an ~170-acre area. Intracellular Wolbachia bacteria infections in Ae. aegypti cause early embryonic arrest (known as cytoplasmic incompatibility [CI]) and egg hatch failure, and inundative introductions have been suggested as a potential control tool. Throughout the release period, the Ae. aegypti population was monitored within both the release area and an equivalent area that did not receive WB1 male releases. The results show a significant reduction in egg hatch at the area receiving WB1 males, which is consistent with expectations for CI. Similarly, the number of Ae. aegypti was significantly reduced at the area receiving WB1 males, relative to the untreated area. The observed population reduction and results encourage additional work and replication of the Wolbachia biopesticide approach against Ae. aegypti, as an additional tool to be integrated with existing control tools for the control of this medically important vector and nuisance pest.
Oxford University Press
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