Chemosterilants for Control of Insects and Insect Vectors of Disease

Authors

  • Richard H. G. Baxter Department of Chemistry Dept. of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry Yale University PO Box 208107, New Haven CT 06520-8107, USA. richard.baxter@yale.edu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2016.715

Keywords:

Aziridine, Chemosterilant, Malaria, Sterile-insect technique, Vector-borne disease

Abstract

Both historically and at present, vector control is the most generally effective means of controlling malaria transmission. Insecticides are the predominant method of vector control, but the sterile insect technique (SIT) is a complementary strategy with a successful track record in both agricultural and public health sectors. Strategies of genetic and radiation-induced sterilization of Anopheles have to date been limited by logistical and/or regulatory hurdles. A safe and effective mosquito chemosterilant would therefore be of major utility to future deployment of SIT for malaria control. Here we review the prior and current use of chemosterilants in SIT, and assess the potential for future research. Recent genomic and proteomic studies reveal opportunities for specific targeting of seminal fluid proteins, and the capacity to interfere with sperm motility and storage in the female.

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Published

2016-10-26

Issue

Section

Scientific Articles