Advance in fight against world's greatest killer

In a significant advance, scientists have discovered some of the genes responsible for the development of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. The findings will play an important role in combating the world's biggest killer, malaria.

"One of the biggest challenges facing science is stopping mosquitoes becoming resistant to insecticides. Chemicals such as DDT, pyrethrin and organophosphates, are our main defence against mosquitoes, however the development of insecticide resistance leaves many of these chemicals useless and this is why these findings are so important," says Dr Charles Claudianos, of The Australian National University and CSIRO Entomology.

"Another potential outcome of the research may be the development of a diagnostic kit that could predict if resistance was developing in local mosquito populations. Armed with this knowledge, spraying regimes could be modified to minimise the likelihood of resistance developing."

The study has also identified and clarified the evolutionary relationship of a group of genes that are associated with biological pathways such as embryonic development and functioning of the nervous system. These genes are common to all higher life including humans.

By studying and manipulating these molecules at the ANU, using the humble fruit fly, the researchers are looking to unlock some of the unknown processes involved in the brain, including repair of nerves and how memory is acquired. In addition, through understanding the function of these molecules CSIRO is looking to develop novel methods to disrupt insect growth and hence control pest species of insects.

Item provided courtesy of CSIRO