Abstract
Malaria is the most important vector-borne disease in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Although, different control measures like use of insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets and curtains, chemotherapy and others are in place, so far, malaria eradication has proved impossible in affected areas. Therefore, any measure that attempts to fight the parasite or its vector (Anopheles spp.) would be of help. In this experiment, we assessed the efficacy of Euphorbia tirucalli latex both as a herbal mosquito remedy and larvicide against Anopheles fenestus Giles and Anopheles gambae Giles in a semi-natural environment. Our results indicate that E. tirucallilatex can bring about total mortality of Anopheles species larvae at the highest dilution used of 1: 250 in 5 days. LT 50 and LT 90 for the same dilution were attained at 12 and 36 h respectively. Latex was active only for eight days which is typical for herbal biocides, whose advantage is that they do not accumulate in the environment. It is concluded that E. tirucalli latex has a high efficacy against Anopheles mosquito larvae and could eventually be considered for adoption as a plant based mosquito larvicide, after further research. Key words: Euphorbia tirucalli, Anopheles spp., latex, larvicide, malaria, efficacy.
Highlights
Malaria is the most important vector-borne disease in the tropics and sub-tropics (Komisar, 2007; Stratton, 2008)
Our results indicate that E. tirucalli latex can bring about total mortality of Anopheles species larvae at the highest dilution used of 1: 250 in 5 days
A high efficacy against Anopheles mosquito larvae was returned by all E. tirucalli treatments unlike the control as shown on Figure 1
Summary
Malaria is the most important vector-borne disease in the tropics and sub-tropics (Komisar, 2007; Stratton, 2008). Africa is reported to be the most affected continent and every one of five childhood deaths is due to the disease. Those who survive usually suffer from malarial after-effects like slow growth, learning impairment and sometimes general disability (Carter et al, 2005; Urbach, 2008). The disease is responsible for death of 70,000 to 100,000 children under 5 years annually (www.go.ug/malaria.htm). According to the latter source, average households spend about 25% of their income on malaria while sub-Saharan governments spend about 40% of their health budgets on malarial-related activities
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