Find new ways to control mosquitoes

Scientists have found new perspectives on how to control mosquitoes and dangerous infectious diseases.

A recent study by Swansea University scientists showed that the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae may be the key to controlling mosquitoes - the main factor causing yellow fever and dengue.

Metarhizium anisoplia is a parasite fungus. Mostly, they will infect the body directly through the digestive tract. In addition, through contact with fungal-infected plants, insects will be infected by the respiratory tract, genitalia or most of their epidermis. At this time, the insect's contact with the fungal surface will be enough to help spores sprout, infecting the inside of the body.

Image of fungal spores growing in the host's body

According to the study, depending on the pathogen and the environment, the time to kill the insect (mosquito) after being infected with the fungus is from 2 to 5 days or weeks. Researcher Professor Tariq Butt said: "Previous methods that are commonly used are insecticidal chemicals, but the reverse side is polluting the environment and health risks. human".

Therefore, this fungus can be used as a "biological pesticide". Fungal spores will creep into the intestine, the insect's body, activating some genes to cause their death.

He added, we tried this method and the results were quite positive. Hopefully, as we continue our research, we will find more methods to control the spread of insects.