Newly discovered microbe can stop mosquitoes from carrying malaria: study

Researchers in Kenya found that a microbe can completely prevent mosquitoes from carrying malaria, according to new study in Nature Communications

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RESTRICTIONS: Broadcast: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN Digital: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN Researchers in Kenya discovered a microbe that can completely prevent mosquitoes from carrying malaria.

According to the study published in Nature Communications, the microbe could be used to check the spread of malaria around the world.

The research teams from the UK and Kenya found that the malaria-stopping fungal microbe called Microsporidia MB was present in 5 percent of the mosquitoes they sampled.

The fungus grows in the genitalia and digestive system of mosquitoes, and the data suggests it is 100 percent effective in stopping malaria from infecting mosquitoes.

Speaking to the BBC, the authors say they do not as yet know how the fungus stops malaria.

The paper's lead author Jeremy Heren says at least 40 percent of mosquitoes in a region need to be infected with the fungus to curb malaria transmission.

RUNDOWN SHOWS: 1.

Mosquito researchers found a malaria-blocking microbe 2.

Fungal microbe Microsporidia MB is present in 5 percent of mosquitoes in the region 3.

The microbe grows in mosquito genitalia and guts 4.

Microbe must infect 40 percent of mosquitoes in a region to act as check on malaria VOICEOVER (in English): "Researchers in Kenya discovered a microbe that can completely prevent mosquitoes from carrying malaria." "According to the study published in Nature Communications, the microbe could be used to check the spread of malaria around the world." "The research teams from the UK and Kenya found that the malaria-stopping fungal microbe called Microsporidia MB was present in 5 percent of the mosquitoes they sampled." "The fungus grows in the genitalia and digestive system of mosquitoes, and the data suggests it is 100 percent effective in stopping malaria from infecting mosquitoes." "Speaking to the BBC, the authors say they do not as yet know how the fungus stops malaria." "The paper's lead author Jeremy Heren says at least 40 percent of mosquitoes in a region need to be infected with the fungus to curb malaria transmission." SOURCES: Nature Communications, BBC https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16121-y https://www.bbc.com/news/health-52530828 *** For story suggestions please contact tips@nextanimation.com.tw For technical and editorial support, please contact: Asia: +61 2 93 73 1841 Europe: +44 20 7542 7599 Americas and Latam: +1 800 738 8377