BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Researchers with the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS) Wuhan Institute of Virology (WHIOV) recently completed the genome sequencing of a mosquitocidal bacterium Bacillus sphaericus C3-41. The feat, first of its kind in China, is expected to further promote studies of the bio-control of mosquitoes.
The mosquito transmits some of the world's most serious vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, encephalitis, filariasis, yellow fever, and dengue. Vector control is recognized as an effective approach to controlling the diseases. Due to the increasing resistance of the insect to chemical pesticides, as well as their risks to both humankind and the environment, mosquito control using the insect-attacking bacteria Bacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp israelensis has been accepted across the world.
Bacillus sphaericus strain C3-41, selected by WHIOV researchers, is an aerobic, mesophilic, spore-forming microorganism that has been used with great success in mosquito control programs over the past two decades.
Teaming up with their co-workers from the CAS Beijing Genomics Center and the Cardiff University in UK, WHIOV researchers mapped out the complete genome of Bacillus sphaericus strain C3-41, and compared the data with that of other published sequences of entomopathogenic bacteria.
Experts say that their knowledge will increases people's understanding of the bacilli and may offer prospects for future genetic improvement of this important biological control agent.
(Source: CAS.com)
