[Novel approach toward infectious diseases--combating malaria by using genetically engineered mosquitoes]. Malaria is a devastating disease that kills millions of people every year, yet there has been little progress in controlling this disease. Mosquitoes are obligatory vectors for the disease and this part of the parasite cycle represents a potential weak link in transmission. Therefore, control of parasite development in the mosquito has considerable promise as a new approach in the fight against malaria. In recent year, methods for the genetic modification of mosquitoes have been developed, and effector genes whose products interfere with Plasmodium development in the mosquito are beginning to be identified. Here we review strategies to alter mosquito vector competence and consider issues related to translating this knowledge to field applications.