The Effects of Age, Exposure History and Malaria Infection on the Susceptibility of Anopheles Mosquitoes to Low Concentrations of Pyrethroid
2011

Effects of Age and Malaria Infection on Mosquito Susceptibility to Insecticides

Sample size: 60 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Katey D. Glunt, Matthew B. Thomas, Andrew F. Read

Primary Institution: The Pennsylvania State University

Hypothesis

Can lowering the concentration of insecticides preferentially kill older and malaria-infected mosquitoes?

Conclusion

Lower concentrations of insecticides can effectively target older mosquitoes without significantly increasing resistance.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older mosquitoes were more susceptible to insecticides.
  • Lower concentrations of permethrin did not significantly increase resistance.
  • Repeated exposure to low doses altered the age structure of mosquito populations.
  • Malaria infection did not enhance susceptibility to permethrin.

Takeaway

This study found that older mosquitoes are more likely to be affected by insecticides, and using lower doses could help control malaria without creating more resistant mosquitoes.

Methodology

Mosquitoes were exposed to low concentrations of permethrin and monitored for survival over time.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in mosquito selection and exposure conditions.

Limitations

The study may not fully account for all environmental factors affecting mosquito survival.

Participant Demographics

Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, no known previous exposure to insecticides.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024968

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