Wolbachia

Apart from insects, it also infects spiders, mites, filarial nematodes etc. Thus for humans, Wlbachia is a parasite on parasites. This makes it very important for valuable applications in huamn health. At present, research is focussed on Wlbachia in control of Dengue, Elephantasis (caused by nematode). It is also known as Dengue blocking bacterium.

The researchers are trying to use infected mosquitoes, with bacterium that blocks development of the dengue virus. Resistant insects are then released and they successfully interbred with wild mosquitoes and blocked their ability to transmit dengue. Within months, a wave of infection by the bacterium had spread to almost all the wild mosquitoes rendering them incapable of passing on dengue. The data suggests that the presence of Wolbachia strengthens the immune system and helps the mosquito resist the effects of dengue. Pesticides that kill the specific type of mosquitoes that carry the virus have been the most effective method of control; however, resistance to this method is rising.