Scientists have identified a type of bacteria that could be used to attack the parasite that causes malaria, according to the Science and Development Network. The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences online.
Guido Favia, the lead researcher, and colleagues at the Italy-based University of Camerino found a particular bacterium that inhabits the Anopheles stephensi mosquito. This type of mosquito is an important source of Plasmodium vivax — the parasite that causes malaria — in Asia. Favia told SciDev.Net that the bacteria are also present in the main African malaria mosquito vector, Anopheles gambiae.
The researchers say the bacteria, Asaia, is an ideal candidate for malaria control. It has a symbiotic relationship with its mosquito host and can be passed between mosquitoes. It also colonises the same parts of the mosquito as the malaria parasite does. The researchers found that Asaia colonise the mosquitoes’ gut and salivary glands. These sites are also important for the malaria parasite — particularly for its development and ability to spread between mosquitoes.
The bacteria can also spread to mosquito offspring, as they were found in the eggs, ovaries and testes of mosquitoes, and in pupae and larvae. The malaria parasite has become resistant to drugs in some areas and attempts to create a vaccine have so far been unsuccessful. The researchers suggest that the bacterium could be genetically altered to attack the malaria parasite by producing anti-parasite molecules.
“Instead of spraying chemical or biological pesticides, you could use this symbiotic bacterium that is passed on,” said Daniele Daffonchio, an author of the paper. “You don’t have to spray every year.”
Effat Soliman, a microbial geneticist at Cairo’s National Research Centre, welcomed the development, but cautioned that safety studies based on scientific facts, not commercial or political interest, should determine the future use of the genetically modified bacteria as a weapon against malaria.
Christopher Plowe, from the United States-based Centre for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland, said using bacteria to block the passage of malaria parasites is “an intriguing approach to control malaria”, but that the real challenge exists in convincing countries with malaria to release genetically modified bacteria.
“Considering that some countries won’t even accept genetically modified corn during famine, this may not be easy,” he pointed out. — SciDev.Net