Bacteria may hamper disease-carrying mosquito's ability to reproduce.
The New York Times (1/5, D6, McNeil) reports that, according to a paper appearing in Cell, Wolbachia, a "type of bacteria that infects many insects, may make mosquitoes more resistant to viruses that can be dangerous to humans," a finding that "could be helpful in the battles against two painful and sometimes fatal diseases, dengue and chikungunya." Brazilian and Australian researchers explained that although the "bacteria appear to strengthen the mosquito's immune system," they "may also use up some fatty acids that the viruses need to reproduce."
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