What for are useful genetically modified mosquitoes ?

They are the first genetically modified mosquitoes to be resistant to the parasite Plasmodium, through a transformation of their immune system.

Over 300 million new cases of malaria are diagnosed each year worldwide and nearly one million people die from this disease, the victims are, in particular, children and babies from  Africa.

U.S. researchers have created two groups of genetically modified mosquitoes. In the first group, the gene that causes destruction of Plasmodium falciparum by the insect's immune system, was activated in intestinal tissues, where the parasite initially settled.

In the second group of mosquitoes, genetic modification resulted in activation of the immune system against parasite at the level of an organ of mosquito which performs the functions of the liver. Geneticists from the John Hopkins currently trying to obtain a genetically modified mosquito whose immune system to intervene in the both organs.

Researchers currently working on the design of various techniques for dissemination of bacteria in the populations of mosquitoes in nature. However, the techniques of genetic modification of malaria vector, although promising in combating this disease, not enough. Researchers consider that they would need many other "weapons" to defeat malaria.