LAHORE, Aug 18: The Government College University’s zoology department is conducting research on genetic modification of Aedes aegypti mosquito aimed at blocking the transmission of dengue vector to humans through its bite.

It was revealed by the varsity's chief zoologist Prof Dr Nusrat Jahan while presenting a detailed progress report to GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleequr Rahman on the research project initiated in collaboration with the Michigan State University, USA, a press release said on Sunday.

Giving details, Prof Jahan said Wolbachia, a genus of bacteria, would be used as a biological agent for the genetic modification of Aedes aegypti mosquito. Wolbachia-based technique would make the mosquito incapable of carrying and transmitting dengue virus, she added.

She said isolation of wolabchia was in progress at the GCU laboratories and a zoologist had also been assigned a PhD thesis in this regard.

She said Wolbachia was maternally transmitted, gram-negative endosymbiotic bacterium that infected more than 65 per cent of all insect species and approximately 28per cent of the surveyed mosquito species. Prof Jahan said the genetic modification of the mosquito was only possible way to completely eradicate dengue from Pakistan, though it would take time as it was a very complex process.

The VC also discussed with the zoologists difficulties being faced by them in conducting the research project and its phases, pledging maximum support to them. He also advised the department chairperson to form different groups to speed up the project pace.

He also urged the Higher Education Commission to support the GCU for further strengthening its high-tech laboratories and purchase of modern equipment required for such crucial researches.

Prof Dr Rahman directed the other GCU departments, including Biotechnology and Botany to also extend technical support and share resources with the zoology department for the project.

Earlier, addressing a seminar on “advanced research on dengue control” organised by the GCU in connection with the Dengue Day, Prof Nusrat Jahan said the varsity had indigenously cultured a water dispersible granule, Bti WDG, which was found highly toxic for mosquito larva in the local conditions. She hoped commercial production of Bti WDG would soon begin which would be helpful in dengue control.

The department also held a special presentation to educate the university's faculty members about various techniques to control dengue vector in their houses and working places.