Group 1: Overview of Mosquito-Borne Diseases - August 20 is recognized as "World Mosquito Day," highlighting the role of mosquitoes in spreading diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus [1] - The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that mosquitoes cause approximately 780,000 deaths annually, making them the deadliest animals [1] - The ongoing battle between humans and mosquitoes has evolved from traditional methods to advanced techniques like genetic editing and biological control [1] Group 2: Innovative Mosquito Control Techniques - Guangzhou Weibai Kun Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has implemented a novel approach called "using mosquitoes to control mosquitoes" by releasing male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria [2][4] - This method aims to reduce mosquito populations by ensuring that the eggs laid by wild female mosquitoes do not hatch [2] - The company has established a "mosquito factory" in Huangpu District, producing 5 million sterilized male mosquitoes weekly [2] Group 3: Successful Trials and Global Interest - The "using mosquitoes to control mosquitoes" trial in Xieshi Village, Guangzhou, has shown no dengue cases for seven years, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method [3] - The initial trials attracted international attention, with experts from the US, India, and Thailand visiting to study the results [3] - The technique has gained traction globally, with countries like Brazil and Singapore adopting similar strategies to combat mosquito-borne diseases [9][12] Group 4: Historical Development of the Technology - The concept of using Wolbachia bacteria for mosquito control was proposed over 20 years ago but faced skepticism until recent successful applications [4][6] - The technology was brought to China in 2010, leading to the establishment of a joint laboratory focused on mosquito control [6] - Significant breakthroughs were achieved in 2016 and 2017, with trials showing an 83%-94% reduction in wild mosquito populations [7][8] Group 5: Challenges and Future Prospects - Despite its success, the "using mosquitoes to control mosquitoes" technique faces challenges in cost and acceptance among public health departments [13][14] - The cost of releasing sterilized mosquitoes is approximately 2 yuan per square meter, with effectiveness lasting up to a year [15] - The long-term effectiveness of the technique under varying environmental conditions remains a concern, particularly with rising temperatures [17]
中国“以蚊治蚊”技术已走向世界 人类找到对抗蚊子的“长效妙方”了？
Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-08-20 13:15