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Mosquitoes
& Genes
An information pack to
accompany the Oxitec film
CONTENTS
1.0
Introduction
2.0
2.1
Who is at risk?
2.2
2.3
3.0
Introducing Haedes and Aegypta: all about the Aedes aegypti mosquito
3.1
Dining out with Aegypta: how and why do mosquitoes suck blood?
3.2
3.3
Getting on top of the problem: how we can make life uncomfortable for Aegypta and friends
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
More on the science: How does Oxitec make genetically modified insects?
Introduction
We hope you enjoy this short film about Dengue
Fever and the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
At Oxitec, were concerned about Dengue Fever because
pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain. The joint
weeks!
Hannah Strange
Dengue Fever Sufferer
As well as pain and suffering for those people unfortunate enough to catch Dengue, the disease is also a serious financial
burden for the Governments and communities which are struggling to cope with it. Governments spend a lot of money on
efforts to control the spread of the Dengue mosquito, but these efforts are not very effective, as well hear about later. At
the same time, the cost of looking after and treating people affected by Dengue can be huge both for Governments and
the individuals concerned. Here are a few facts about the costs of dealing with Dengue:
2,500,000,000
$1,394
Dengue
25,000
TB+
$2,100,000,000
In the Americas, the average economic cost of
Dengue fever is estimated at $2.1bn
Who is at risk?
every year!
[1]
virus.
but not to the other three. In fact, a person who has been
Bednets are often used in hospitals within tropical regions, but they are of
limited use in preventing Dengue transmission because the Aedes aegypti
mosquito bites during the day
Female mosquitoes
mouth parts using a
scanning electron
microscope
A = Labium tip (the labellum); this
guides the mouthparts into the
skin.
B = Labrum; this is the tube through
which the blood is sucked up.
C = Maxilla; these sharp serrated
edges aid penetration of the skin.
D = Hypopharynx; saliva is
delivered through this tube.
fogging in progress.
indiscriminate).
Using genes to
control insects:
the Oxitec solution
Weve heard how traditional methods to control Aedes aegypti can be harmful to people and the environment, and arent
very effective in any case. In the film, the reporter then asks Haedes and Aegypta about the Oxitec approach. This is a
new technology based on advanced genetic science, which uses the natural instincts of the mosquitoes themselves to
track down other mosquitoes and stop them reproducing.
Before taking a look at the Oxitec solution in more detail, you can read a bit more about genes and genetic modification;
an incredibly powerful science which has already been central to recent advances in medicine, agriculture and
understanding diseases.
it to survive.
into the mosquitos cells. But in a very few eggs, the new
can be made.