Genetically Modified Fungus in Spider Kills Almost 100 Percent Mosquitoes

By Roperfree

Scientists have genetically modified a fungus in spiders so that it can kill mosquitoes as part of a new drive to fight malaria.

The trial in Burkina Faso — which was conducted in a sealed model village — killed more than 99 per cent of 1,500 mosquitoes and is being hailed as “big step” forward by the study’s authors.

However, local critics are concerned that the fungus could affect other insects and even animals.

“I’m heavily worried that Africans are the preferred guinea pigs for experimentation, and Africa is going to become a large laboratory for risky experimentation,” said Nnimmo Bassey of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, an advocacy group based in Nigeria.

The experiment was conducted by scientists from the University of Maryland in the US and the IRSS research institute in Burkina Faso and its findings published this week in the journal Science.

They took a naturally occurring fungus, Metarhizium pingshaense, and combined it with the DNA of a venomous Australian funnel-web spider. Experts say the fungus could “destroy” mosquito populations. Malaria still kills roughly 435,000 people and infects 219 million each year. The fungus would be used inside houses, much like an insecticide.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Released in Burkina Faso:

Earlier this year, in February 2019 thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes were released in Burkina Faso as a step towards the world’s first field test of “gene-drive” technology

The trial, which has been funded by organizations linked to the Gates Foundation, but it has prompted concerns among local civil society organizations, who say their country is being set up as a laboratory for “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” technology before the risks are fully understood.

Malaria Vaccine Starts in Malawi:

In April 2019, Malawi has been the first country to begin immunizing children against malaria  the vaccine, known as Mosquirix, was developed by GlaxoSmithKline and was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2015. A previous trial showed the vaccine was about 30 per cent effective in children who got four doses, but that protection waned over time. Reported side-effects include pain, fever and convulsions.

As Roperfree we welcome all new intervention tools to eliminate & eradicate malaria but we strongly suggest that more research has to be done to ensure that there are no negative consequences in future which could be more devastating than malaria itself.

Therefore, precautions have to be put in place by encouraging the use of mosquito repellents such as; Roperfree Brand which are all-Natural, highly effective, safe to use, non toxic, with little or no side effects and environmentally friends than introducing malaria intervention tools without proper sensitization to the masses, lack of community involvement and awareness.

Roperfree Fights Malaria & Rheumatism:

Roperfree a social enterprise came into existence to provide solution to problem of malaria endemic countries in order to save lives & Roperfree Brand Products can be purchased on major e-commerce platforms such as: Amazon, eBay and Jumia or via the following outlets in and around Kampala:

Kenjoy Supermarket - Najjanakumbi, off Entebbe Road.

Beauty Dreams Shop No. 63 Pioneer Mall, Kampala

Spring Pharmacy – Wilson Rd, Kampala

Mega Super Market old taxi park & Garden city branch

Friecca Pharmacy- Wandegeya, 

Asian African commodities- Italian Supermarket Muyenga – Kabalagala

John-Rich Supermarket- Kabalagala

Home queen grocery store: Kabalagala

Light Shoppers Supermarket – Kajjansi

Majex Pharmacy – Kajjansi

West-Link Pharmacies at Quality Village Mall; Lubowa & Kitende

Kasumba Square- Busega, Kampala

Malakai- Eco- Hotel – Kitende (for guests’ access only)

Eureka Hotel - Ntinda (On pilot project as per now)

Ssese Beach Hotel – Ssese Island (for guests only)