Effectiveness of CRISPR-Modified Mosquitoes Versus Insecticide-Treated Nets in Reducing Malaria Transmission: A Review
Ivan Mutebi
Department of Pharmacognosy Kampala International University Uganda
Email: ivan.mutebi@studwc.kiu.ac.ug
ABSTRACT
Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where conventional vector control strategies such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have significantly reduced morbidity and mortality. However, emerging pyrethroid resistance in mosquito populations threatens the long-term efficacy of ITNs, necessitating exploration of novel vector control approaches. This review compared the effectiveness of CRISPR-modified mosquitoes and insecticide-treated nets in reducing malaria transmission to inform integrated malaria control strategies. A narrative review approach was utilised, synthesising evidence from published studies on mechanisms of action, operational feasibility, effectiveness, ecological and ethical considerations, and integration prospects for both interventions. ITNs provide a physical barrier and insecticidal effect, reducing malaria incidence by approximately 50% and all-cause child mortality by 20%. However, widespread pyrethroid resistance undermined their effectiveness. CRISPR-modified mosquitoes, employing gene drive technologies to spread sterility or anti-Plasmodium traits, have demonstrated promising laboratory and semi-field results, achieving near-complete population suppression or high refractoriness rates. Nonetheless, their field efficacy remained unproven, with ecological, evolutionary, and ethical risks necessitating further research. Operationally, ITNs remained more feasible for immediate deployment, whereas gene drives require robust regulatory frameworks, community acceptance, and phased field testing. While ITNs continued as cornerstone interventions in malaria control, CRISPR-modified mosquitoes hold transformative potential if proven safe and effective. Their integration into malaria control programmes, alongside ITNs, could enhance elimination prospects, but deployment must be evidence-based, ethically grounded, and community endorsed to ensure sustainable public health impact.
Keywords: CRISPR-modified mosquitoes, Insecticide-treated nets, Malaria transmission reduction, Gene drive technology, Vector control strategies.
CITE AS: Ivan Mutebi (2025). Effectiveness of CRISPR-Modified Mosquitoes Versus Insecticide-Treated Nets in Reducing Malaria Transmission: A Review. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 10(2):91-94, 2025. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2025/102.9194