Reversing Wolbachia-based population replacement.
Genetic manipulation that reduces the competence of a vector population to transmit pathogens would provide a useful tool to complement current control strategies, which are based primarily on the reduction/exclusion of vector populations and the prophylactic/therapeutic treatment of the vertebrate host population. Genetic drive is an important component of vector population replacement strategies, facilitating the replacement of natural populations with a genetically modified population. Genetic drive is reviewed here, emphasizing strategies that would employ infections of intracellular Wolbachia bacteria as a vehicle for population replacement. Also discussed are strategies for the retarding, arresting or reversing of Wolbachia-based population replacement. These strategies are based upon altering the conditions required for transgene invasion and are a prudent safeguard, should unexpected detrimental effects become associated with transgene spread.
Dobson
Stephen L
SL
Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA. sdobson@uky.edu
D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D005260:Female; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D007246:Infertility / Q000378:metabolism; D007313:Insecta / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D020577:Wolbachia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity