The Role of Wolbachia-Based Interventions in Reducing Malaria Transmission: A Scoping Review of Field Trials and Modeling Studies

 Maina Mwaura F.

 School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Malaria continues to be a major global health threat, particularly in malaria-endemic regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Despite significant advancements in vector control, including insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying, the emergence of resistance to insecticides and antimalarial drugs has hampered efforts to reduce transmission. Wolbachia, an intracellular bacterium that infects arthropods, has gained attention as a novel intervention for controlling malaria transmission. This review synthesized findings from field trials and modeling studies on Wolbachia-based interventions, particularly focusing on Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary vectors of malaria. Wolbachia influences mosquito reproduction through mechanisms such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and immune modulation, potentially reducing vector competence and inhibiting malaria transmission. Field trials conducted in diverse regions have shown mixed results, with some demonstrating successful establishment of Wolbachia in mosquito populations and significant reductions in malaria transmission, while others faced challenges related to ecological factors and the sustainability of Wolbachia infection. Mathematical models further support the efficacy of Wolbachia interventions in reducing transmission, highlighting the potential for combining these approaches with existing vector control methods. The methodology for this scoping review involved a comprehensive analysis of both field trial data and mathematical modeling simulations. While Wolbachia-based interventions offer promising prospects, several challenges, including ecological impacts and scalability, must be addressed to realize their full potential in global malaria control efforts.

Keywords: Wolbachia, Malaria transmission, Anopheles mosquitoes, Vector control, Mathematical modeling.

CITE AS: Maina Mwaura F. (2025). The Role of Wolbachia-Based Interventions in Reducing Malaria Transmission: A Scoping Review of Field Trials and Modeling Studies. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 5(2):113-116. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2025/52113116