Unmet Need: Treatment and preventative measures against vector-borne diseases remain underdeveloped. With increasing resistance against drugs and insecticides, and a general lack of vaccines, there is an urgent need for disease transmission blocking strategies.
Technical Details: Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a strategy using Chromobacterium (Csp_P) as a novel disease transmission control. Effective and rapid colonization of prominent mosquito host midguts with Csp_P through an artificial nectar feed leads to decreased susceptibility of these vectors to Dengue virus and/or Plasmodium infections. Insecticidal effects were demonstrated on both mature and larval mosquito hosts, and direct in vitro assays showed anti-pathogen effects against Dengue virus and Plasmodium. Through decreasing susceptibility of mosquito hosts to infection, decreasing host lifespan, and direct anti-pathogen effects on Plasmodium and Dengue virus, Csp_P-containing feed presents a promising agent to be used in vector-borne tropical disease transmission blocking strategies.
Value Proposition:
· Active formulations exert broad-spectrum anti-pathogen activity against vector borne diseases
· Delivery via artificial nectar feeding achieves effective disease transmission blocking
· Active against larvae and adult insects, thereby allowing effective control of insect colonies
Looking for Partners to: Develop & commercialize the technology as a possible broad-spectrum insecticidal to control transmission and/or treat vector-borne diseases.
Stage of Development: Pre-Clinical
Data Availability: Animal data
Inventors: George Dimopoulos, Jose L. Ramirez, Sarah M. Short
Patent Status: Issued: US10,165,781B2, Continuation Pending: 16/223,314
Associated technology: For more information please see related technology C16318.
Publication(s): Ramirez JL, Short SM, Bahia AC, Saraiva RG, Dong Y, et al. (2014) Chromobacterium Csp_P Reduces Malaria and Dengue Infection in Vector Mosquitoes and Has Entomopathogenic and In Vitro Anti-pathogen Activities. PLoS Pathog 10(10): e1004398.
