IU Researchers ID Gene That Blocks Insect-Borne Pathogens

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Researchers at Indiana University Bloomington have been able to identify a specific gene necessary to block insect-borne pathogens that transmit diseases like Dengue Fever, as well as the Zika and West Nile viruses. The study employed a common bacterium called Wolbachia. It was published last week in the medical journal PLoS Pathogens. Irene Newton, an assistant Professor of Biology and one of the lead researchers, discusses the study with Reporter Sarah Vaughan in today’s WFHB Community Report.