This is a database of peer-reviewed literature that focuses on Genetic Biocontrol research. The latest are shown here.
Nanofiber encapsulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the sustained release of mosquito larvicides
Despite the rising global incidence of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, existing vector control strategies remain inadequate for completely eliminating vectors from their breeding sites. This study aimed to encapsulate larvicide-producing bacteria in nanofibers designed to shield bacterial cells from environmental stress—mimicking natural biofilms—thereby enhancing their survival in aquatic habitats and prolonging larvicide production.
Mayilsamy, M., Vijayakumar, A., Veeramanoharan, R., G, G., & Rajaiah, P. (2025). Nanofiber encapsulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the sustained release of mosquito larvicides. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97400-w
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97400-w
Genome editing in the green alga Chlamydomonas: past, present practice and future prospects
The green alga Chlamydomonas is an important and versatile model organism for research topics ranging from photosynthesis and metabolism, cilia, and basal bodies to cellular communication and the cellular cycle and is of significant interest for green bioengineering processes. The genome in this unicellular green alga is contained in 17 haploid chromosomes and codes for 16 883 protein coding genes. Functional genomics, as well as biotechnological applications, rely on the ability to remove, add, and change these genes in a controlled and efficient manner.
Nievergelt, A. P. (2025). Genome editing in the green alga Chlamydomonas: Past, present practice and future prospects. The Plant Journal, 122(1), e70140. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.70140
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.70140
The effects of climatic and non-climatic factors on malaria mortality at different spatial scales in western Kenya, 2008–2019
Despite notable strides made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality since the year 2000, the disease still remains one of the leading causes of mortality, especially among children aged<5 years. The WHO estimated that globally malaria caused 608 000 deaths in 2022 and 96% (approximately 583 680) of the deaths occurred in the African region. Similar to the global trend, Kenya has observed a decline in malaria burden over time. This has majorly been attributed to the upscaling of malaria control programmes, including the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) and prompt diagnosis and management of malaria cases. This reduction may also be attributed to the implementation of integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) in 1996/1997 and integrated community case management (iCCM) in 2013.
Nyawanda, B. O., Khagayi, S., Obor, D., Odhiambo, S. B., Beloconi, A., Otieno, N. A., Bigogo, G., Kariuki, S., Munga, S., & Vounatsou, P. (2024). The effects of climatic and non-climatic factors on malaria mortality at different spatial scales in western Kenya, 2008–2019. BMJ Global Health, 9(9). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014614
Biogenically synthesized green silver nanoparticles exhibit antimalarial activity
The suboptimal efficacies of existing anti-malarial drugs attributed to the emergence of drug resistance dampen the clinical outcomes. Hence, there is a need for developing novel drug and drug targets. Recently silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) constructed with the leaf extracts of Euphorbia cotinifolia were shown to possess antimalarial activity. Therefore, the synthesized AgNPs from Euphorbia cotinifolia (EcAgNPs) were tested for their parasite clearance activity. We determined the antimalarial activity in the asexual blood stage infection of 3D7 (laboratory strain) P. falciparum.
Tiwari, S., Kumar, R., Devi, S., Sharma, P., Chaudhary, N. R., Negi, S., Tandel, N., Marepally, S., Pied, S., & Tyagi, R. K. (2024). Biogenically synthesized green silver nanoparticles exhibit antimalarial activity. Discover Nano, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s11671-024-04098-2
Mating of unfed, engorged, and partially to fully gravid Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) female mosquitoes in producing viable eggs
Understanding the relationship between blood-feeding and mating is important in effectively managing the most well-adapted vector insect, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus). Although extensive studies have investigated the behavioural aspects of Aedes such as blood-feeding, mating, and their relationship, several knowledge gaps still exist. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the possibility of successful mating by unfed, engorged, and partially to fully gravid (up to 5 days after blood-feeding with fully developed eggs) female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and production of viable eggs.
Mayilsamy, M., Subramani, S., Veeramanoharan, R. et al. Mating of unfed, engorged, and partially to fully gravid Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) female mosquitoes in producing viable eggs. Parasites Vectors 17, 362 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-024-06433-z
Temporal stability of sex ratio distorter prevalence in natural populations of the isopod Armadillidium vulgare
Temporal stability was also generally reflected in mitochondrial and nuclear variation. Nevertheless, in a population, a Wolbachia strain replacement coincided with changes in mitochondrial composition but no change in nuclear composition, thus constituting a typical example of mitochondrial sweep caused by endosymbiont rise in frequency. Rare incongruence between Wolbachia strains and mitochondrial haplotypes suggested the occurrence of intraspecific horizontal transmission, making it a biologically relevant parameter for Wolbachia evolutionary dynamics in A. vulgare.
Durand, S., Pigeault, R., Giraud, I., Loisier, A., Bech, N., Grandjean, F., Rigaud, T., Peccoud, J., & Cordaux, R. (2024). Temporal stability of sex ratio distorter prevalence in natural populations of the isopod Armadillidium vulgare. Heredity, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-024-00713-1
Patterns and predictors of malaria among head porters: a mobile population in Ghana
Head porters popularly known as ‘Kayayeis in Ghana, face challenges in accessing essential health care services due to the mobile nature of their trade, low formal education, poor settlements, low-income among others. Kayayeis are predominantly females and form part of the mobile population who are at increased risk of malaria infection. Despite their increased risk of malaria, mobile populations are difficult to target for malaria interventions, hence serving as potential drivers of transmission even if malaria in the general population is controlled. The study, therefore, assessed the patterns and predictors of malaria among the Kayayei population in Ghana to inform policy decisions.
Mintah-Agyeman, E., Adomako, BY., Adu, G.A. et al. Patterns and predictors of malaria among head porters: a mobile population in Ghana. Malar J 23, 222 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-024-05000-2
Stability analysis of a nonlinear malaria transmission epidemic model using an effective numerical scheme
Malaria is a fever condition that results from Plasmodium parasites, which are transferred to humans by the attacks of infected female Anopheles mosquitos. The deterministic compartmental model was examined using stability theory of differential equations. The reproduction number was obtained to be asymptotically stable conditions for the disease-free, and the endemic equilibria were determined. More so, the qualitatively evaluated model incorporates time-dependent variable controls which was aimed at reducing the proliferation of malaria disease.
He, J. J., Aljohani, A., Mustafa, S., Shokri, A., Khalsaraei, M. M., & Mukalazi, H. (2024). Stability analysis of a nonlinear malaria transmission epidemic model using an effective numerical scheme. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1-13.
Unveiling the impact of community knowledge in malaria programmes: A scoping review protocol
This scoping review promises an in-depth understanding of current research regarding the impact of community knowledge in malaria programmes. The identification of knowledge gaps and intervention needs serves as a valuable resource for malaria-affected countries. The profound implications of community knowledge underscore its pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of prevention, control, and elimination efforts. Insights from this review will assist policymakers, empowering implementers and community leaders in designing effective interventions. This concerted effort aims to adeptly leverage community knowledge, thereby propelling progress toward the achievement of malaria elimination goals.
Plasmodium gametocyte carriage in humans and sporozoite rate in anopheline mosquitoes in Gondar zuria district, Northwest Ethiopia
Although the overall burden of malaria is decreasing in Ethiopia, a recent report of an unpredictable increased incidence may be related to the presence of community-wide gametocyte-carrier individuals and a high proportion of infected vectors. This study aimed to reveal the current prevalence of gametocyte-carriage and the sporozoite infectivity rate of Anopheles vectors for Plasmodium parasites.
Minwuyelet, A., Abiye, M., Zeleke, A. J., & Getie, S. (2024). Plasmodium gametocyte carriage in humans and sporozoite rate in anopheline mosquitoes in Gondar zuria district, Northwest Ethiopia. PLOS ONE, 19(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306289