Mosquitoes that spread malaria are becoming resistant to insecticides, making it harder to control the disease. Researchers at CRID are studying how mosquitoes develop this resistance to find new ways to combat it. They’ve discovered that certain genes, known as Glutathione S-transferase epsilon (GSTe) genes, play a key role in this resistance.
The study revealed that these GSTe genes are overactive in mosquitoes that are resistant to some insecticides. The researchers analyzed the genes and found variations that help the mosquitoes break down insecticides more effectively. They tested these genes in fruit flies and found that they made the flies more resistant to the insecticides.
This research highlights a major challenge for malaria control: mosquitoes are developing more resistance to key insecticides. This means that new strategies are needed to combat malaria effectively. The study provides valuable insights into how mosquitoes become resistant and could help researchers develop new ways to control malaria.
Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40335906/
