Biotechnology Company Creates Genetically Modified Mosquitoes To Fight Zika Virus

Zika virus may soon be controlled if plans for the use of genetically modified mosquitoes find success. According to reports, the Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve the release of the tiny warriors to fight the deadly disease. These possible living weapons are also part of the same species that carry the virus.

The  Zika virus is normally borne by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, but  a biotechnology company that specializes in insect control, has produced a new type of the insect, which is designed to kill its own population. These genetically modified mosquitoes are programmed to die prior to reaching adulthood and only the  male insects are going to be used because they do not bite. The modified male will breed with wild females to spread their genetic modification onto the young, which is also programmed to die before they can recreate.

Zika virus life processes will be interfered, as  the genetic modifications made to the newly developed insects do not generate poison. They will be kept alive in a laboratory by consuming a specific chemical in their diet. This will allow the tiny flying creatures to live long enough to be released into the wild. According to the company, the tests conducted in the Cayman Islands, Panama and Brazil have shown that Oxitec's technology creates a unique reduction in the decline in the population of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Based on the reports by USA Today, the release of these genetically modified mosquitoes into normal populations decreases stocks by 90 percent under laboratory conditions. With 2 to 3 percent of larvae reaching adulthood, these individuals are sickly and will die soon after their transformation. The company expects that In the wild, given its harsh natural environment, only a few of the insects may survive the onslaught.

Zika has infected people in 39 countries around the Caribbean and Latin America. Puerto Rico has recorded more than 800 people infected with the disease, while the US is expecting its first victims of the virus soon, according ABC News.