Scientists hail potential breakthrough as mosquito gut bacteria used to fight Malaria
LBCAug 04, 2023
The Facts
Scientists with GSK Pharmaceutical have reportedly discovered a naturally occurring bacteria that prevents mosquitos from developing the malaria parasite, with research suggesting it could reduce mosquito's malaria load by 73%.
The TC1 strain of Delftia tsuruhatensis, when introduced to mosquito colonies in a controlled environment, did not harm the mosquitos. It did, however, produce a neurotoxin known as harmane, which inhibited parasite development.
The Spin
Narrative A
The news regarding malaria-destroying microbes is stunning, as the world has a chance to finally defeat one of the world's oldest killers. By circumventing lengthy clinical trials for medical interventions and the bioethical minefield of mosquito gene editing, this method could eliminate malaria without interfering with ecosystems. We should monitor these developments with excitement.
Narrative B
While this is a promising development, it could be all for naught if the world doesn't grapple with the climate crisis. There's good evidence to suggest that climate is directly linked with malaria incidence, and a warming planet could lead to an explosion of cases. We need to prepare for the malaria onslaught before it's too late.