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Fig. 3 | Parasites & Vectors

Fig. 3

From: Wolbachia: endosymbiont of onchocercid nematodes and their vectors

Fig. 3

Exploiting Wolbachia for vector control. Left panel: mosquito population replacement approach, in which Wolbachia-infected female and male mosquitoes are released; through CI, this strategy allows the spread of Wolbachia in the natural population. The presence of Wolbachia provides a fitness advantages (determined by CI) and can reduce the arbovirus transmission. Right panel: mosquito population reduction or suppression strategy. This approach involves the release of Wolbachia-infected males into an area; when these mosquitoes mate with wild Wolbachia-negative females (or female mosquitoes harbouring an incompatible strain of Wolbachia), a strong reduction in the rate of egg hatching is observed (CI incompatible matings). Thus, repeated releases of Wolbachia-infected males result in reduction or suppression of mosquito populations. CI cytoplasmic incompatibility, WT wild-type mosquitoes, Wolb + Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes

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