Gene drive to reduce malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. (24th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burt, Austin; Coulibaly, Mamadou; Crisanti, Andrea; Diabate, Abdoulaye; Kayondo, Jonathan K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of responsible innovation. Volume 5(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S66
• Page End: S80
• Publication Date: 2018-01-24
• Subjects: Malaria -- gene drive -- vector control; Technological innovations -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 174.96
• DOI: 10.1080/23299460.2017.1419410
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2329-9460

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Despite impressive progress, malaria continues to impose a substantial burden of mortality and morbidity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and new tools will be needed to achieve elimination. Gene drive is a natural process by which some genes are inherited at a greater-than-Mendelian rate and can spread through a population even if they cause harm to the organisms carrying them. Many different synthetic gene drive systems have been proposed to suppress the number of mosquitoes and/or reduce vector competence. As with any control measure, due attention should be paid to the possible evolution of resistance. No gene drive construct has yet been reported that is 'field-ready' for release, and when such constructs are developed, they should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Gene drive approaches to vector control promise to have a number of key features that motivate their continued development, and scrutiny, by all concerned.