Simmons CP, Donald W, Tagavi L, Tarivonda L, Quai T, Tavoa R, et al. (2024)Successful introgression of wMel Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti populations in Fiji, Vanuatu and Kiribati. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 18(3): e0012022. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012022
Abstract. Introgression of the intracellular bacterium Wolbachia pipientis (wMel strain) into Ae. aegypti populations reduces their vector competence and consequently lowers dengue incidence in the human population. Here we describe successful area-wide deployments of wMel-infected Ae. aegypti in Suva, Lautoka, Nadi (Fiji), Port Vila (Vanuatu) and South Tarawa (Kiribati). With community support, weekly releases of wMel-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes for between 2 to 5 months resulted in wMel introgression in nearly all locations. Long term monitoring confirmed a high, self-sustaining prevalence of wMel infecting mosquitoes in almost all deployment areas. Measurement of public health outcomes were disrupted by the Covid19 pandemic but are expected to emerge in the coming years.
Note: Successful introgression into these ‘closed’ island populations was encouraging and should reduce dengue disease cases. However, this DID NOT impact the Ae. aegypti nuisance biting pressure and therefore might not be a useful tool in areas with low arbovirus transmission.