<i>Wolbachia</i> as a transformative tool for mosquito-borne disease control: a comprehensive review of mechanisms, efficacy, and future directions

Mosquito-borne infectious diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria continue to pose significant public health challenges worldwide. Traditional control methods, including the use of insecticides and environmental management, have shown limited effectiveness due to insecticide resistance and logistical challenges. <i>Wolbachia</i>-based strategies, which leverage the bacterium's unique ability to manipulate mosquito reproduction and block pathogens, present a promising, albeit not universally applicable, method for reducing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Field trials have demonstrated significant but variable efficacy. This systematic review synthesizes the latest findings on <i>Wolbachia</i>-based interventions, focusing on their mechanisms, efficacy, and potential for large-scale implementation. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify relevant studies published between 1990 and 2025. Our review highlights the promising results of <i>Wolbachia</i>-based strategies in reducing mosquito populations and disease transmission, while also addressing the challenges and limitations of this approach. We conclude that <i>Wolbachia</i>-based strategies hold great potential for revolutionizing mosquito-borne disease control, but further research and careful consideration of ecological and ethical implications are necessary for their successful implementation.