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 is an alternative approach to the control of arthropod-borne diseases. We discuss the rationale for this alternative approach, its potential applications and limitations, and the regulatory concerns that may arise from its use in interrupting disease transmission in humans and animals.
Beard
C B
CB
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. cbb0@cdc.gov
Durvasula
R V
RV
Richards
F F
FF
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D001179:Arthropod Vectors / Q000382:microbiology*; D001181:Arthropods / Q000382:microbiology; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D006801:Humans; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D013559:Symbiosis; D014370:Tsetse Flies / Q000382:microbiology