Factors Determining Success Rate of Wolbachia Bacteria in Reducing Dengue Fever in Indonesia

KOMPAS.com – Giving Wolbachia bacteria to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes succeeded in reducing the incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) infection by 77.1 percent.

The proportion of hospital admissions was successfully reduced to 86 percent.

Also read: Getting to know the Wolbachia mosquito, considered effective in eradicating dengue fever

These findings provide new hope for the elimination of dengue fever in Indonesia.

However, are there certain factors that determine this success rate?

3 factors determining success rate

In a webinar organized by PB IDI with the theme “Getting to know Wolbachia and its function to prevent dengue fever” on Monday (20/11/2023), researchers mentioned the factors that determine the successful implementation of Wolbachia technology.

Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Selection of vector mosquitoes

It is important to use the Aedes aegypti mosquito as the main vector, because they are the dominant vector in the spread of dengue fever (DHF).

Although the Anopheles mosquito can be an alternative, areas with Anopheles mosquito vectors are more limited in Indonesia.

“The dominant vector in the area where it is distributed must be an area with a high population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Because this mosquito is the cause of dengue cases,” said researcher on wolbachia bacteria and dengue fever from Gadjah Mada University, Prof. Dr. Adi Utarini, M Sc, MPH, PhD.

2. Location of distribution

The spread of this technology must be focused on densely populated areas with high rates of dengue cases.

Also read: New innovation prevents the spread of dengue fever with Wolbachia, what is it?

“Population density and the high incidence of dengue cases are key factors in the effectiveness of this technology,” said Utarini.

Therefore, implementation must be carried out in stages, selecting cities with high dengue cases and high population density.

“The Ministry of Health is implementing it in stages, selecting cities with high rates of dengue cases and high population density,” added Utarini.

Similarly, another researcher on Wolbachia mosquitoes from Gadjah Mada University, Dr. Riris Andono Ahmad, stated that the spread of mosquitoes in areas with low population density will not have a significant impact because mosquito populations tend to be relatively small in these conditions.

3. Influence of temperature

Temperature is also a critical factor. Extreme heat waves can affect the effectiveness of reducing Wolbachia mosquito populations.

“This condition had occurred in Vietnam at that time, so this technology was less effective,” said Riris.

However, research in Jogja shows that normal temperatures in the region support the performance of this technology.

In areas with higher temperatures such as Mexico using a different strategy with more heat tolerant Wolbachia may be necessary.

Also read: Success in reducing dengue fever by 77 percent, release of wolbachia-bearing mosquitoes expanded

By considering these factors, implementing Wolbachia technology can be a strategic step in controlling the spread of dengue fever in Indonesia.

Get selected news updates and breaking news every day from Kompas.com. Let’s join the Telegram Group “Kompas.com News Update”, by clicking the link https://t.me/kompascomupdate, then join. You must install the Telegram application first on your cellphone.

2023-11-21 23:35:00
#Success #Factors #Wolbachia #Mosquitoes #Controlling #Dengue #Cases #Kompas.com