An integrated approach to mosquito borne disease management: Harnessing phytochemical repellents and mosquito gut microbiota

Abstract

Researchers have created innovative mosquito control techniques in response to the serious threat posed by mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. The efficacy of a plant-based mosquito repellent spray (PB-MRS) and a plant-based mosquito repellent fast card (PB-MRFC) was compared to a commercially available spray that contains 12% N, N-diethyl benzamide. Swiss albino mice subjected to the PB-MRS did not exhibit any harm, and a cytotoxicity analysis verified this. Targeting mosquitoes' guts is an additional strategy that can stop the spread of malaria. According to a West Bengal study, midgut microorganisms can prevent Plasmodium from developing in the intestines of Anopheline mosquitoes. The impact of gut micro biome (GMB) on mosquitoes' non-specific immunity was also examined in this study. The study emphasizes the mosquito repellent activity of PB-MRS and PB-MRFC, which could be an effective, eco-friendly, and safer alternative to the existing synthetic repellents for personal protection against mosquitoes during field conditions and also underscores the potential of leveraging gut micro biota to mitigate disease transmission without harming mosquito populations, thus avoiding ecological imbalances.