Genetically Modified and Other Innovative Vector Control Technologies: Eco-Bio-Social Considerations for Safe Application

This book comprehensively covers the latest development in developing and deploying the genetically modified vectors, particularly Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes responsible for transmitting malaria parasites and dengue viruses, the most deadly and/or debilitating among all the vector-borne diseases. It is considered timely and commensurate to bring about a book dealing with the various ecological, biological and social as well as regulatory aspects for the deployment of genetically modified vectors in special context with the biosafety of humans, his associates, and the environment. Written by an array of specialists and experts in various subjects of genetically modified organisms, this book centrally addresses the (i) basic principles of the genetic manipulation of vectors and they are potential impact on human and the environment, (ii) ecological, biological, ethical, legal and social implications of the use of genetically modified vectors, (iii) identification of potential hazards; assessment and management of risks for human and environment; risk/benefit analysis, (iv) principles and practices for the assessment and management of biosecurity and biosafety in laboratories (and in the field), (v) guiding principles for creation and management of institutional or national biosafety review boards and ethics review committees, and (vi) development and application of a biosafety regulatory framework and its related legal principles at national levels for securing the development and use of vector control methods based on genetic modification strategies.

Brij Kishore Tyagi Born 23rd July 1951, Dr. Brij Kishore Tyagi (PhD 1979) has become emeritus in 2013, with two years’ extension till 2015, as Scientist ‘G’ & Director-in-Charge from the ICMR-Centre for Research in Medical Entomology, Madurai, after distinguished service in medical entomology and vectorborne diseases in most of States and UTs in the country. He has since continued as the Visiting Professor in various universities (2016–2019) and currently is the Advisor, VIT Univ., Vellore (TN) as well as the International Consultant for a BCIL-FAO Sri Lanka Project on GMO Biosafety (2019–2021). He has to his credit >640 scientific titles, besides 37 books, incl. a WHO Training Manual on GM vectors (2015). Recipient of the prestigious WHO-TDR First Prize in worldwide competition (1995) and the ICMR’s Dr. MOT Iyengar Memorial Award (2008), he is the Founding President of the Society of Medical Arthropodology (www.soma16.org). He has participated in preparing OECD’s Consensus Document on Aedes aegypti (2018), is Chairman, RCGM-DBT’s Subcommittee for the formulation of biosafety guidelines to conduct and monitor research trials (CRTs) on genetically engineered mosquitoes, and an Expert Member of the DBT-RCGM Committee on GM insects.