Establishing a Framework for the Introduction of Genetic-based Mosquito Interventions against Dengue in Thailand
Location: Thailand
Alumni: Aidan Sweeney
Faculty: John Grieco
Dengue virus (DENV) is among the most prolific virus in countries of tropical and subtropical regions, and its disease burden is on the rise. Traditional vector control strategies are dampened by unsustainability, urbanization, the globalization of travel and trade, and the expanding distribution of DENV vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The Release of Insects with Dominant Lethality (RIDL) and Wolbachia-transformed mosquitoes are two new genetic-based (GB) vector control approaches that aim to reduce the burden of dengue by suppression or replacement of wild-type Aedes aegypti populations. Recently, it has been shown that the implementation and success of these GB approaches are partially contingent upon a populations’ perception of GB approaches. Here, researchers aimed to (1) investigate a correlation between mosquito burden and the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions (KAP) of dengue and GB approaches in rural and urban localities of Thailand and to (2) develop a framework for the eventual release of RIDL and Wolbachia-transformed mosquitoes in Thailand. Prokopack aspiration was conducted in association with KAP survey administration across 119 households in Sai Yok and Sam Phran Districts of Thailand. No significant correlation was found between mosquito burden and knowledge of dengue or perceptions on GB techniques. Moreover, based on the perceptions identified here, a framework is offered for the eventual release of GB techniques in Thailand.