GM Fungus May Eradicate Malaria

A genetically modified (GM) fungus generated by researchers from University of Maryland in USA, and IRSS Research Institute in Burkina Faso, may eradicate malaria in the world. That was reported by some media on May 31, 2019.

The GM fungus is an outcome of enhancement by the researchers, of a fungus called Metarhizium pingshaense in zoological terms, that is known to have naturally killed malaria spreading mosquitoes alias malaria vectors and zoologically known as Anopheles mosquitoes.

According to the researchers, the GM fungus produces spider toxin capable of killing massive numbers of Anopheles mosquitoes. In laboratory trials of the GM fungus in Burkina Faso involving Anopheles mosquitoes, the researchers observed 99% of the mosquitoes were eradicated within 45 days.

About 219 million people worldwide contract malaria from Anopheles mosquitoes every year, of which at least 400 000 perish. The GM fungus as a possible mass killer of the malaria spreading mosquitoes is therefore incredible news. _______________________ © 2015 - 2019 Africa Up To Date. All Rights Reserved