Biological vector control reducing arboviruses, including Dengue and Chikungunya

描述（由申请人提供）：在缺乏针对登革热和其他蚊媒病原体的有效、经批准的疫苗或治疗措施的情况下，公共卫生工作必须集中在控制传播所需的蚊子载体上。不幸的是，没有有效的控制措施来对付侵入性的和医学上重要的亚洲虎蚊（白纹伊蚊）。这主要是由于它的生物学；这种蚊子的隐蔽和难以进入的繁殖地点妨碍了发现和治疗大部分目标蚊子种群。该项目将开展针对伊蚊的自我传递、物种特异性、生物控制方法开发所需的关键研究。白纹伊蚊，不涉及转基因生物。简而言之，策略是释放Ae。感染了沃尔巴克氏菌的雄性白纹伊蚊，这种细菌可以有效地使释放的雄性蚊子的配偶绝育。雄蚊不咬人，不吸血，也不传播疾病。它们的饲养成本不高，而且可以找到当地的雌性伊蚊。比训练有素的专业人员使用现有工具更有效地消灭白纹伊蚊。交配后，交配的雌性在其剩余的生命中都是不育的。基于沃尔巴克氏体的方法可以与现有的杀虫方法相结合，从而同时控制伊蚊。白纹伊蚊和其他重要的蚊子。在本研究的第一阶段，我们将(1)扩展先前的工作，描述与美国本土蚊子不相容交配导致的卵孵化水平，(2)评估实验室群体的繁殖产出，这将有助于改进饲养成本的估计，(3)包装和运输的测试方法，(4)评估感染沃尔巴克氏菌微生物杀虫剂的雄性蚊子的竞争力。这些目标中的每一个对于预期的下游经济模式都很重要。拟议的科学目标将与EPA正在进行的实验使用许可评估同时进行。在下游，正在开发的方法广泛适用于美国境内外的其他重要蚊子。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In the absence of effective, approved vaccines or therapeutic measures against dengue and other mosquito borne pathogens, public health efforts must focus on the control of mosquito vectors that are required for transmission. Unfortunately, effective control measures are not available against the invasive and medically important Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus). This is due largely to its biology; the cryptic and inaccessible breeding sites of this mosquito prevent finding and treating a large proportion of the targeted mosquito population. This project will perform critical research required for the development of a self-delivering, species specific, biological control approach against Ae. albopictus, without involving genetically modified organisms. In brief, the strategy is to release Ae. albopictus males that are infected with Wolbachia bacteria, which effectively sterilize the mates of the released males. Male mosquitoes do not bite, blood feed, or transmit disease. They can be reared inexpensively and can find indigenous female Ae. albopictus more effectively than a team of trained professionals using existing tools. Following mating, the mated females are sterile for the remainder of their life. The Wolbachia-based approach can be integrated with existing insecticidal approaches, allowing the simultaneous control of Ae. albopictus and additional important mosquitoes. In Phase I of this study, we will (1) extend prior work characterizing the level of egg hatch resulting from the incompatible matings with USA-derived indigenous mosquitoes, (2) assess the reproductive output of the laboratory colony, which will allow for improved estimate of rearing cost, (3) test methods for packaging and delivery and (4) assess competitiveness of the resulting males infected with the Wolbachia microbial pesticide. Each of these goals is important for the intended downstream economic model. The proposed scientific goals will occur in parallel with an EPA assessment that is in progress toward an Experimental Use Permit. Downstream, the approach being developed is broadly applicable to additional important mosquitoes both within and beyond the USA. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Due to the lack of vaccines for prevention of dengue and additional mosquito borne pathogens in the USA, controlling important mosquito populations is critical. This project supports further development of a self- delivering, species specific, biological control targeting Aedes albopictus, an invasive mosquito for which effective controls are not available. The approach being developed will be compatible with, and can be used simultaneously with, existing insecticidal tools. A regulatory pathway is defined. Moreover, the approach will be broadly applicable to additional mosquito vector species (e.g., Ae. aegypti, Culex pipiens, etc.) and appropriate for areas outside the USA.