ٍSome biologically active microorganisms have the potential to suppress mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens, Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Malaria is a disease caused by protozoan species of the genus Plasmodium. It is widespread and becoming a challenge in several African countries in the tropical and subtropical regions. In 2010, a report was published showing that over 1.2 million death cases were occurred globally due to malaria in just one year. The transmission of the disease from one person to another occurs via the bite of the Anopheles female. It is known that Plasmodium ovale, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. falciparum, and P. knowlesi are the highly infective malaria species. The problem of this disease is the absence of any effective medical treatment or vaccine, making the mosquito control is the only feasible way for disease prevention. Pesticides are currently the most widely used method for mosquito control, despite its well-known negative effects, including health hazards on human, the increasing insecticidal resistance, and the negative impact on the environment and beneficial organisms. Biological control (also called: biocontrol) of insects has been a promising method to overcome the negative effects of using chemical insecticides, as it depends on just using the natural enemies of pests to either minimize their populations or eradicate them. This article provides an overview of the recent and effective biological means to control malaria, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, larvivorous fish, toxorhynchites larva and nematodes. In addition, the importance, advantages, and disadvantages of the biocontrol methods will be discussed in comparison with the traditionally used chemical methods of malaria control with special reference to nanotechnology as a novel method for insects’ control.