Mosquito mystery solved

SCIENTISTS have identified more than 54 new genes in deadly mosquitoes including why they like to bite some people more than others.

QIMR Berghofer researchers along with scientists from around the world, have completed the most up to date genetic map of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The mosquito transmits dengue fever, zika virus, chikungunya and yellow fever and places millions of people at risk of contracting the viruses.

There are no available drugs for combating mosquito borne diseases such as dengue and zika.

Mosquito Control Laboratory scientist Dr Gordana Rasic said the breakthrough could help communities control mosquito populations.

“More than half of the global population lives in zones where this mosquito inhabits,” she said.

“In understanding the genes we can look at what makes some people more attractive. By knowing how they evolve and resist it may be one way to control the mosquito and modify its genes.” Dr Rasic said for the past 10 years scientists’ knowledge of the Aedes aegypti’s makeup had been lacking.

“The project provided almost a complete blueprint of its genes,” she said. “It was like working with a really big puzzle and we didn’t know how to glue the pieces together.”

Dr Rasic said scientists were considering exterminating mosquito populations in some parts of the world altogether.

“It is a potential solution in finding a way to genetically sterilise them,” she said.

“Researchers have been working on for a quite a number of years on how to make them less able to transmit viruses. We have to create various solutions for different communities.” Dr Rasic said the creature posed a risk for North Queensland communities.

“In small numbers and parts of Australia there have been outbreaks that we are struggling to control,” she said.

Queensland Health confirmed there have been four dengue outbreaks in the state since 2017.