Understanding Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases are illnesses spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. They include diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus. Viruses cause most diseases spread to people by mosquitoes, while malaria is caused by a parasite. Different mosquitoes carry different diseases, and the prevalence of these illnesses depends on where people live or travel to, and the time of year [7][8].

Current Control Measures

Mosquito control can be divided into two areas of responsibility: individual and public. Most often it’s performed following the Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) concept. IMM is based on ecological, economic and social criteria and integrates multidisciplinary methodologies into pest management strategies that are practical and effective to protect public health and the environment [12].

The differents controls measures include :

1. Source Reduction: This involves physical control such as digging ditches and ponds in the target marsh and biological control like placing live mosquito fish (Gambusia) in the ditches and ponds to eat mosquito larvae[12].
2. Biological Control: This includes the use of invertebrate predators, parasites, and diseases to control mosquito larvae. Adult mosquito biological control by means of birds, bats, dragonflies, and frogs has also been employed by various agencies[12].
3. Chemical Control: This involves the use of insecticides and larvicides. For instance, areas with excessive mosquito populations are sprayed in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active, with a permethrin-based insecticide, using a truck equipped with an ultra-low-volume mist sprayer[5].
4. Surveillance and Monitoring: Local government departments and mosquito control professionals track the numbers and types of mosquitoes in an area and the germs they may be spreading. When infected adult mosquitoes are spreading germs to people, acting quickly can stop further spread and prevent people from getting sick[2].

Limitations of Current Control Measures

Despite the various control measures in place, there are several limitations:

1. Ineffectiveness in Residual Foci: Environmental management and anti-mosquito larvae interventions have been ineffective in residual foci. Their application to control extensive areas is limited due to the need for a good understanding of the characteristics and dynamics of the breeding sites of the local vectors[4].
2. Outdoor Transmission: The limitations of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) to control the vectors responsible for outdoor transmission is a major limitation for the elimination of diseases like malaria[4].
3. Insecticide Resistance: The impact of insecticide resistance on the efficacy of current indoor-applied insecticides and those being researched for outdoor biting mosquito vectors requires further assessment[4][11].
4. Lack of Specific Treatments: Most mosquito-borne diseases do not have specific treatments. Doctors treat symptoms, such as fever or pain, and watch for any problems. There are prevention medicines and specific treatments for malaria[7].
5. Unintended Consequences of Spraying: Widespread application of adulticides creates a false sense of security while causing many unintended and far-reaching consequences. It can contaminate our natural ecosystems, whether they are directly applied to forests and waters, or inadvertently move beyond where they are applied[6].

In conclusion, while current mosquito control measures have been somewhat effective, there are significant limitations that need to be addressed. This includes the need for more effective strategies for outdoor transmission, managing insecticide resistance, and minimizing the environmental impact of control measures.



References

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/mosquito-borne/default.html [2] https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/why-is-mosquito-control-important.html [3] https://www.vdci.net/blog/public-health-us-mosquito-borne-diseases-quick-overview/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8079132/ [5] https://www.kentohio.org/244/Mosquito-Control-Methods [6] https://xerces.org/pesticides/effective-mosquito-management [7] https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/mosquito-diseases.html [8] https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/learn/mosquito-borne-diseases [9] https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/success-mosquito-control-integrated-approach [10] https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/joint-statement-mosquito-control-united-states [11] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33906220/ [12] https://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-control/

How Aedes n' Seek Works ?

Our iGEM project, named 'Aedes n' Seek,' was borne out of the pressing need to confront the escalating threat posed by mosquito-borne pathogens, particularly in Europe where the Aedes Albopictus, often known as the tiger mosquito, has emerged as a significant menace. We took inspiration from the iGEM 2022 Montpellier team, who harnessed the power of the SHERLOCK CRISPR CAS 13 system to detect pathogens in oysters[1].

Our core mission revolved around the development of an innovative machine, finely tuned to detect these pathogens within mosquitoes. We set out to create a seamlessly integrated system designed not only to pinpoint these pathogens but also to relay vital information in real-time to epidemiologists and researchers. This real-time data transmission serves as a game-changer, significantly enhancing surveillance efforts and bolstering our ability to control potential pandemics[1][4].

Significance in Mosquito-Borne Disease Control

The essence of our project lies in its potential to preempt the looming threat of a vector-borne disease epidemic. By delivering early warning signals to epidemiologists, researchers, and public health officials, our project empowers proactive outbreak management. This capacity extends beyond merely saving lives; it possesses the potential to staunch the onward march of infectious diseases[1][4].

In a world where mosquito-borne diseases have the propensity to spread like wildfire, our project takes on the role of a sentinel. It does not merely react to outbreaks; rather, it acts as an early warning system, providing insights and data that can inform crucial decisions in controlling and preventing epidemics[1][4].

Our commitment to this endeavor underscores the adage 'better safe than sorry.' We are determined to prepare and plan effectively, thereby mitigating the impact of potential epidemics. Beyond serving public health officials, we are also exploring the development of a paper-based test that empowers individuals to check for the presence of pathogens in mosquitoes. This test would facilitate prompt alerts to nearby health centers[1][4][5].

Our work doesn't stop at the hardware level; we are actively working on an application that swiftly transmits critical information following the detection of a virus. This application is poised to assist epidemiologists and researchers in making well-informed decisions for the effective management and control of epidemic outbreaks[1][4].

In summary, our project, 'Aedes n' Seek,' is a multifaceted initiative dedicated to mitigating the threat of mosquito-borne pathogens in Europe. By harnessing advanced technology and the lessons from our collaboration with expert epidemiologists, we are positioned to make a meaningful contribution to the surveillance and control of these diseases. Ultimately, our work is driven by a commitment to the health and well-being of the general population[1][2][3][4][5].

References

[1] Igem wiki 2022 [2] Vector-Borne Disease Emergence and Resurgence [3] Data Collection Management [4] Technological innovation in vector-borne disease surveillance [5] Transmission of West Nile

Citations:

[1] Vector-Borne Disease Emergence and Resurgence [2] Mosquito-Borne Emergence [3] Using Technologies for Data Collection and Management [4] Digital and technological innovation in vector-borne disease surveillance to predict, detect, and control climate-driven outbreaks [5] Transmission of West Nile virus [6] Zika Virus

Our software is a versatile and powerful solution that enhances pathogen detection and aids virology research. Its core features include the ability to calculate custom consensus sequences, which is crucial in bioinformatics and molecular biology, particularly for generating guideRNA sequences essential for pathogen detection. Additionally, the software employs k-means clustering, an advanced machine learning technique, to intelligently group similar sequences, facilitating biological and genetic analyses. It offers scalability to meet diverse research needs, is highly interactive, and allows for seamless integration with other bioinformatics tools. Developed using Python and BioPython, our software efficiently manages biological data and simplifies complex processes, making it an invaluable asset for researchers and contributing to the progress of pathogen detection and virology research.

Looking ahead, the project's future direction is oriented towards continuous innovation and user-centric design to further empower researchers and students in the fields of molecular biology and bioinformatics. This includes the integration of advanced algorithms, potentially utilizing machine learning and deep learning for enhanced analysis. A key feature to be introduced is customizable workflows, allowing users to create and save personalized analysis sequences. Building a collaborative community and offering multi-language support will contribute to the software's accessibility and user engagement. Furthermore, incorporating feedback mechanisms and ensuring regular maintenance will ensure that the software evolves to meet the dynamic needs of its user base. The project's vision is to remain at the forefront of bioinformatics, providing valuable tools for research and analysis in molecular biology.

Human practices played a pivotal role in our iGEM project, focusing on raising awareness and educating the public about the critical issue of mosquito-borne diseases. Our approach included the creation of engaging and informative materials such as booklets and comics. These resources were meticulously designed to deliver essential information about mosquito-borne diseases in an accessible and visually appealing manner. The booklet served as an informative guide, while the comics transformed complex concepts into engaging narratives, making the content relatable and easy to understand for a broad audience. By conducting surveys to understand public perspectives and concerns, we tailored our outreach efforts to effectively address the needs of communities most vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases. Through this comprehensive approach, we aimed to not only advance scientific research but also to actively contribute to public health by fostering awareness and education among the general population.