Scientists explore new solutions to fight insecticide resistance, emerging mosquito species
Scientists explore new solutions to fight insecticide resistance, emerging mosquito species
Tags: Africa, Anopheles, Mosquitoes, ResistanceMilliam Murigi, People Daily, 2024.
Africa has long been the epicenter of malaria, battling the deadly disease with a combination of strategies, including insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying. However, the landscape of this fight is rapidly changing. Mosquitoes are increasingly developing resistance to insecticides, undermining these critical interventions. Additionally, new mosquito species, previously not found in certain regions, are now making their presence felt, posing new threats and challenges. But what does the emergence of this double tragedy mean to the continent and what actions are being taken?
Dr Willy Kiprotich Tonui, EBS, the Chairman and Executive Director at Environmental Health Safety who also doubles up as the Founder and Head of the Secretariat at the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium says that the emergence of these challenges means that new solutions must be developed and that is why scientists have been working day and night to come up with new solutions. So far new compounds, DIF-1(+3), which has demonstrated significantly stronger growth inhibitory effects against Plasmodium falciparum have been synthesized, including strains resistant to chloroquine and artemisinin. This compound showed near-complete suppression of parasite growth in vivo tests, indicating its potential as a new treatment option in areas with high levels of drug resistance. “New insights into how malaria parasites invade host cells have also been revealed. This is useful in understanding mechanisms that can aid in developing targeted treatments and vaccines to prevent the parasite from establishing infection in the first place,” says Dr Tonui.
