Question map
Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1.
The Wolbachia method is a biological control strategy used to curb the transmission of viral diseases such as Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever. Wolbachia is a naturally occurring bacterium found in nearly 60% of insect species, but notably absent in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for these viruses.
When Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are introduced with Wolbachia in a laboratory and released into the wild, the bacterium competes with viruses inside the mosquito's body, making it difficult for the viruses to replicate. Consequently, the mosquitoes are less likely to transmit these diseases to humans. Furthermore, through a process called cytoplasmic incompatibility, when Wolbachia-carrying males mate with wild females, the eggs do not hatch, effectively reducing the mosquito population over time.
Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect as they refer to waste management and bio-manufacturing processes unrelated to vector control.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Term in News' question targeting a specific solution to a major public health crisis (Dengue). While standard books cover Dengue vectors, the specific 'Wolbachia' intervention is pure Current Affairs (widely covered in The Hindu/IE during 2021-2022). If you track S&T 'solutions' rather than just 'theories', this was a giveaway.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Is the Wolbachia method used to control viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes (for example dengue or Zika)?
- Statement 2: Is the Wolbachia method used to convert crop residues into packing material?
- Statement 3: Is the Wolbachia method used to produce biodegradable plastics?
- Statement 4: Is the Wolbachia method used to produce biochar via thermo-chemical conversion of biomass?
- Explicitly describes the Wolbachia method as replacing Aedes aegypti with Wolbachia-carrying Aedes aegypti.
- States these Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes "have a reduced capacity to transmit dengue, Zika and chikungunya," directly linking the method to control of those viral diseases.
- Describes the Wolbachia Aedes aegypti population replacement method and the goal of reaching coverage threshold.
- Reports that the method's efficacy was evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial to determine whether it was effective in reducing the incidence of symptomatic dengue, showing use for controlling dengue.
- From an implementing organization: reports projects in multiple countries using the Wolbachia method.
- States that in areas where Wolbachia is self-sustaining, "dengue transmission has been significantly reduced," supporting real-world use to control dengue.
States that dengue is caused by a virus and is carried by Aedes aegypti (a mosquito species).
A student could extend this by checking whether interventions target Aedes mosquitoes specifically and whether biological approaches (e.g., infecting mosquitoes with microbes) are used to reduce virus carriage.
Lists dengue as a viral disease and emphasizes prevention measures including control of mosquito breeding.
Use the link between dengue being mosquitoâborne and breeding control to investigate nonâchemical control methods (such as releasing modified or microbeâinfected mosquitoes).
Describes national vectorborne disease control programmes and states the main prevention strategy is integrated vector control.
A student could look within 'integrated vector control' for biological control components (e.g., Wolbachia releases) as part of programmatic methods.
Defines vectors as insects like mosquitoes that spread pathogens and links understanding spread to taking protective measures.
From the general concept of vectors, one can explore vectorâtargeted strategies including genetic or microbial modifications that aim to block pathogen transmission.
Notes that bloodâsucking arthropods such as mosquitoes are especially effective transmitters of epidemic diseases.
This supports investigating interventions that reduce mosquito transmission efficiency (for example, methods that reduce a mosquito's ability to transmit viruses).
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