Using Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to reduce dengue transmission
Assessing the Efficacy of Incompatible Insect Technique Coupled with Sterile Insect Technique (IIT-SIT) to Manage Large Dengue Clusters: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if releasing special mosquitoes that carry Wolbachia can help lower the number of dengue cases in certain neighborhoods in Singapore.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Environment Agency, Singapore Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Trial ID | NCT06894901 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of releasing Wolbachia-infected male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes combined with sterile insect technique (IIT-SIT) to reduce active dengue transmission in Singapore. The study focuses on high-rise public housing estates, where clusters of dengue cases will be identified and randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive the IIT-SIT treatment until the dengue cluster is extinguished, while conventional vector control measures will also be implemented. This approach aims to provide real-time management of dengue outbreaks by assessing the impact of the intervention on reducing the number of dengue cases.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are residents of public housing estates in Singapore experiencing active dengue transmission.
Not a fit: Patients living in areas that have previously experienced Wolbachia-Aedes releases or those not residing in dengue clusters may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of dengue outbreaks in urban areas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar approaches using Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes for vector control, indicating potential for this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligible dengue clusters will be limited to public housing estates and with at least 10 dengue cases comprising that dengue cluster before allocation into intervention or control arms. The selected clusters will be in areas with relatively high sector-level GAI of at least 0.2 at the time of the 10th reported case. Additionally, the first 10 cases must be reported within 30 days of the first case. Additionally, clusters must be in areas which have never experienced Wolbachia-Aedes releases and at least 700 m away from existing Wolbachia-Aedes release areas.
Where this trial is running
Singapore
- National Environment Agency — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lee Ching Ng Group Director (Environmental Health Institute), PhD — Environmental Health Institute
- Study coordinator: Lee Ching Ng, PhD
- Email: NG_Lee_Ching@nea.gov.sg
- Phone: +65 67719108
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.