They create a drug against unsurpassed mosquitoes: it turns human blood into poison

He heat He has already reached the northern hemisphere and with it Mosquitoes It is expected that in countries such as Spain, we have a lot this year, since an increase in temperature, immediately after a long rain season, is an ideal place for propagation for its distribution. Fortunately, most bites do not go beyond unpleasant discomfort. Nevertheless, there are countries in which there are many lives of the same bites to transmit Diseases such as malaria or denge. There are all types of tools to try to prevent their bites, from the use of repellent to strategies to sterilize women. However, it will be ideal A drug against mosquitoesThe field is something that attacks them only when they bit us.

It is difficult to find, but exactly what recently discovered a team of scientists aimed at University Notre -DameIn the United States. The most curious thing is that they studied not a new cure for mosquitoes, but a medicine that developed for another purpose: Nitinon.

This is a drug used to treat a rare disease known as Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1The scientists saw the field that the mosquitoes that fed from the blood of these patients died immediately. But why did they do it? The work of these researchers was to find out and, by the way, see how it can be used as A drug against mosquitoes.

What does Nitinon use originally?

Patients with hereditary tyrosinemia of type 1 have a problem that prevents their body Completely destroy the amino acid of tyrosineThey perform half the process in which they generate Toxic substances This accumulates in the body, causing a lot of harmful effects.

To prevent this, Nitinon is used, whose role is nothing but Prevent the degradation of tyrosine. Thus, the indicated degradation does not remain halfway, and that the toxic substance is not generated. Patients should take the drug next to Poor nutrition in tyrosine and phenylalaninecapable of easily turn into tyrosine. This is done because, if not, Tyrosin, which cannot be worsened, accumulates in the body, and it would also not be beneficial. This should only be fair and necessary.

Why can it be used as a drug against mosquitoes?

When a mosquito feeds on the blood of a person who took Nitinon, dies immediately. This is due to the fact that the blockade of the degradation of tyrosine, if necessary, also prevents them digest the same bloodAs a result, they die from malnutrition as a result.

The authors of this study checked the drug against mosquitoes with women Anopheles GambiaeThe field is a complex that covers 6 main transmitting types of malaria, so it was an ideal goal.

They saw that the medicine was fatal for women of different ages, including the oldest, which are usually the largest transmitters of the disease. It was even effective with Mosquitoes resistant to insecticides.

It should be said that women were used because they are the only ones who bite people and other animals to get the necessary proteins for the development of eggs. There is no danger with men, since they are enough for them, and they have a lot of nectar colors.

Care: this should not be used in a generalized form

This drug against mosquitoes showed that it is fatal, and for this reason it should not be used all over the world. And, how we annoy us, Mosquitoes are necessary For ecosystems that we are also part of us. The exclusion of mosquitoes will not be a solution to our problems. Perhaps some will solve some, but generate new ones.

Therefore, Nitinon should be used only in countries where Malaria is endemic. In fact, the authors of the study believe that it would be interesting Alternate it with IvermectinThe drug that is usually used against mosquitoes that transmit malaria. It will also be a great option in places where mosquitoes have already become resistant to Ivermectin. It can be used in people, but also to prevent the disease by introducing its cattle and other animals.

The fact is that, as it is used, this drug against mosquitoes will reduce their populations. He does not prevent him from making people, but perhaps, as soon as he sends one that the insect no longer breaks through anyone. This is ideal for Allow chains of transmission of diseasesThe field we will have to continue to study this application of Nitisinona a little more; But, of course, this shows most promisingly.