New Delhi, November 5 (IANS). British scientists have discovered a special bacteria that can help in stopping the growth of mosquitoes that spread diseases.
The team of researchers from the Universities of Exeter and Wageningen showed that mosquito larvae grow faster if they are exposed to “Asia” bacteria. The discovery could help prevent diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and Zika, which are spread by mosquitoes.
The study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology showed that this bacteria increased the growth time by one day. This research sheds light on how this bacteria may affect the life cycle of mosquitoes.
In the past, such programs have been run in which males without bites were bred and released, so that the spread of diseases could be prevented. This method is more effective than using pesticides because mosquitoes have developed resistance to pesticides.
According to Professor Ben Raymond, “Assaea bacteria may play a beneficial role in the health of mosquitoes, but this has never been fully tested before on Aedes aegypti. Our study found that some Asaea bacteria may contribute to the growth of the larvae of this mosquito. “Could be helpful.”
In the study, Acacia bacteria were added to water containing mosquito larvae and it was observed that two specific types of Acacia bacteria accelerated the development of the larvae. Scientists say that these bacteria do not provide nutrition directly, but promote the growth of larvae by replacing other bacteria.
Researchers also observed that Asaia bacteria produce hormones that accelerate the growth of larvae by reducing the amount of oxygen.
The larvae grow rapidly. This means they quickly become adult mosquitoes. When mosquitoes move faster they have less time to spread infection.
–IANS
AS/