title: Genetic shifting: a novel approach for controlling vector-borne diseases.
abstract: Rendering populations of vectors of diseases incapable of transmitting pathogens through genetic methods has long been a goal of vector geneticists. We outline a method to achieve this goal that does not involve the introduction of any new genetic variants to the target population. Rather we propose that shifting the frequencies of naturally occurring alleles that confer refractoriness to transmission can reduce transmission below a sustainable level. The program employs methods successfully used in plant and animal breeding. Because no artificially constructed genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are introduced into the environment, the method is minimally controversial. We use Aedes aegypti and dengue virus (DENV) for illustrative purposes but point out that the proposed program is generally applicable to vector-borne disease control.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 6520-8105, USA. Electronic address: Jeffrey.powell@yale.edu.
authors.forename: Jeffrey R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.affiliation: Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA.
authors.forename: Walter J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Tabachnick
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005787:Gene Frequency; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000235:genetics; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000821:virology*
keywords: genetic modification; genetically modified organisms (GMOs); vector control; vector-borne diseases