Low- and high-tech approaches to control Plasmodium parasite transmission by anopheles mosquitoes

J Trop Med. 2011:2011:891342. doi: 10.1155/2011/891342. Epub 2011 Aug 17.

Abstract

Current efforts have proven inadequate to stop the transmission of Plasmodium parasites, and hence the spread of malaria, by Anopheles mosquitoes. Therefore, a novel arsenal of strategies for inhibiting Plasmodium infection of mosquitoes is urgently needed. In this paper, we summarize research on two approaches to malaria control, a low-tech strategy based on parasite inhibition by the mosquito's natural microflora, and a high-tech strategy using genetic modification of mosquitoes that renders them resistant to infection and discuss advantages and disadvantages for both approaches.