The Genomic Arms Race in Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Integrating Entomopathogenic Fungi, Gene Drive, and Symbiont Technologies for Sustainable Vector Control

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis continue to impose enormous health and economic burdens worldwide. The traditional reliance on chemical insecticides has been undermined by the rapid evolution of resistance, ecological concerns, and declining efficacy. Next-generation biocontrol strategies are framed within the concept of a “genomic arms race” between mosquitoes, pathogens, and microbial agents. Entomopathogenic fungi are eco-friendly bioinsecticides with demonstrated efficacy in laboratory, semi-field, and transgenic applications. Symbiont-based approaches, particularly those involving Wolbachia, have been evaluated for their ability to reduce vector competence and spread through populations. Parallel advances in CRISPR-based gene drive technologies have provided transformative tools for population suppression and modification, although their deployment is limited by ethical, ecological, and regulatory concerns. An integrated vector management (IVM) framework combining fungi, gene drives, and symbiont-based tools is proposed as the most promising approach for sustainable mosquito management. This multipronged strategy has the potential to reduce disease transmission, delay resistance development, and minimize ecological disruption, paving the way for resilient, eco-friendly solutions against vector-borne diseases.