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by sohkamyung 3547 days ago
Yes, it may be possible for the mosquito to fight back.

The bacteria isn't mentioned in the video, but I believe it could be Wolbachia, which is already pervalent in the insect world. According to this FAQ [1], it already infects 60% of the insect world, so it appears that developing an immunity to it might be pretty hard:

8. Do other animals carry Wolbachia?

Wolbachia is common among arthropods (including insects, spiders and other small animals with no backbone). Up to 60% of insect species naturally carry Wolbachia, including butterflies, dragonflies, moths and some mosquito species, but not the primary species of mosquito involved in the transmission of dengue.

Wolbachia is also found in certain types of roundworms – known as nematodes – but this is very different to the insect Wolbachia that we work with. Wolbachia is not found in any larger animals such as mammals, reptiles, birds and fish.

- [1] [ http://www.eliminatedengue.com/faqs/index/type/wolbachia ]

2 comments

What are the effects of Wolbachia on other insects? Is there a risk that other insects get eliminated by eating mosquitos carrying Wolbachia? It may be safe for humans and larger mammals, but how about smaller animals ansd insects?
The Wolbachia bacteria is a parasite, but it spreads by infecting the reproductive organs of insects. I don't believe it can be spread by eating an insect infected with Wolbachia, unlike other kinds of parasites.
The website notes that it indeed is the Wolbachia bacteria.