GS PrelimsScience and TechnologyHuman Health and Diseases2023

Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

A

Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes

B

Converting crop residues into packing material

C

Producing biodegradable plastics

D

Producing biochar from thermochemical conversion of biomass

Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation

1. The 'Wolbachia method' involves the use of naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia. 2. These bacteria are introduced into populations of mosquitoes, particularly *Aedes aegypti*, which are vectors for several viral diseases. 3. When Wolbachia bacteria are present in mosquitoes, they compete with viruses like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever, making it harder for these viruses to reproduce inside the mosquito. 4. This reduces the mosquito's ability to transmit these viral diseases to humans when it bites. 5. Therefore, the Wolbachia method is primarily used for controlling the spread of certain viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. 6. Options (B), (C), and (D) describe unrelated processes involving crop residues, biodegradable plastics, and biochar production.

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