The Center for Tropical Medicine at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing hosted a seminar centered around Wolbachia-infused mosquitoes on Thursday, Nov. 30.
The gathering aimed to acquaint the general public with Wolbachia while commemorating 12 years of dedicated Wolbachia mosquito research in Yogyakarta.
Rubangi, the Dengue Program Manager at the Yogyakarta Health Office, shed light on Yogyakarta City’s perpetual battle with dengue fever. Acknowledging the city’s endemic status, Rubangi emphasized that releasing Wolbachia mosquitoes is a supplementary initiative.
The program manager reassured the community that this program seamlessly complements the city’s efforts to combat dengue fever.
“Yogyakarta City already has a robust dengue control program, and the introduction of Wolbachia mosquitoes is seen as a valuable addition, coexisting harmoniously with the ongoing initiatives,” Rubangi affirmed.
Anto Sudadi, the Head of Kronggahan II Hamlet, Sleman Regency, recounted when surging dengue cases triggered panic among residents, prompting mass fogging requests.
With the entry of the Center for Tropical Medicine initiative in 2011, a transformative journey began. Initial efforts focused on introducing environmental health and familiarizing the community with mosquito species.
The much-anticipated introduction of Wolbachia mosquitoes ensued in 2013, captivating the entire community’s attention. By 2014, Wolbachia mosquitoes graced the skies of Kronggahan Hamlet.
Anto Sudadi expressed unwavering confidence in the research, citing the competence of the researchers and the anticipated positive impact on community health.
“We had faith in this research from the beginning, given that capable individuals conducted it. I am confident that this research will yield positive outcomes and provide valuable insights for the community, particularly regarding health,” he enthused.
Dr. Eggi Arguni, MD, a devoted researcher of Wolbachia mosquitoes, elucidated the formidable challenge posed by dengue infection, transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
The symptoms range from fever and bone pain to severe cases involving bleeding and plasma leakage, potentially leading to shock or fatality. With no established anti-dengue remedy, prevention hinges on effectively controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector.
The primary architect of Wolbachia mosquito research, Professor Adi Utarini, MD, shared the collaborative journey between UGM and Monash University, Australia.
Spanning various phases, including the release of Wolbachia mosquitoes, the research has evolved to a stage where over 60% of natural mosquitoes carry Wolbachia. Clinical trials have extended into the field, with Yogyakarta, Sleman, and Bantul serving as the testing grounds.
Professor Adi Utarini elucidated, “Wolbachia, a natural bacterium inhabiting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, acts as a deterrent to the replication of the dengue virus. When these mosquitoes bite humans, there is no dengue virus transmission.”
“It’s essential for the community to understand that while mosquitoes may still exist due to the inherent challenges in eliminating them, the threat of dengue has been effectively nullified.”
“Wolbachia mosquitoes are not a result of genetic engineering; the Wolbachia bacterium is inherently present in over 60% of insects.”
Author: Rifai