Medical Entomology and Zoology
Online ISSN : 2185-5609
Print ISSN : 0424-7086
ISSN-L : 0424-7086
Original Articles
Low-concentration copper solution jeopardizes larval movement and ability to survive predation: New insight into malaria eradication via vector control
Mohamad REZADaisuke S. YAMAMOTOHiroyuki MATSUOKA
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2012 Volume 63 Issue 3 Pages 217-222

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Abstract

A new approach to eradicating malaria is urgently required. Emphasizing vector eradication via larval control, we tried to find a safe concentration of copper, which can be utilized to reduce larval survival. It has been observed that mosquito larvae died when exposed to solid copper in water. We confirmed this phenomenon in our own experiments. We next studied the minimum copper concentration for effectively killing or disturbing Anopheles stephensi larvae. A concentration of 0.6 ppm had a significant impact on larval movement, making them vulnerable to predatory fish. Feeding time tests showed that guppies (Poecilia reticulata) ate the weakened larvae significantly faster than control larvae. Utilizing low concentrations of copper together with predatory fish in the field may shed new light on malaria eradication via vector control.

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© 2012 The Japan Society of Medical Entomology and Zoology
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