Efficacy of Wolbachia-based mosquito control: Predictions of a spatially discrete mathematical model
Wolbachia is an endosymbiont bacterium present in many insect species. When Wolbachia-carrying male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes mate with non-carrier females, their embryos are not viable due to cytoplasmic incompatibility. This phenomenon has been exploited successfully for the purpose of controlling mosquito populations and the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses: Wolbachia carriers are bred and released into the environment. Because Wolbachia is not harmful to humans, this method of mosquito control is regarded as a safer alternative to pesticide spraying.
Dye D, Cain JW (2024) Efficacy of Wolbachia-based mosquito control: Predictions of a spatially discrete mathematical model. PLoS ONE 19(3): e0297964. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297964