Controlling mosquitoes is essential to prevent the transmission of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and filariasis. The intensive use of chemical insecticides led to the development of resistant vector populations, resulting in reduced control and often a negative impact on various non-target organisms and the environment. Therefore, alternative control measures, including microbial control, have been developed. Naturally occurring bacteria are successfully used against the larval stages of mosquitoes and black flies. Biological control of mosquito larvae with naturally occurring bacteria that synthesize potent mosquitocidal toxins has received attention, even though these bacteria have been used safely in the field for many years. Control of Lepidopteran and Coleopteran agricultural pests with entomopathogenic strains of B. thuringiensis is well accepted, and its usefulness has been established. Moreover, control of the aquatic larvae of blackflies with B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis in West Africa has successfully prevented the transmission of onchocerciasis.
Author(s) Details:
B. Usharani,
Department of Biomedical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Tamil Nadu, India.
R. Venkateswari,
Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Tamil Nadu, India.
P. Suganthi,
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Tamil Nadu, India.
M. Muthuraj,
State TB Training and Demonstration Centre, Intermediate Reference Laboratory, Government Hospital for Chest Diseases, Puducherry, India.
