The potential for malaria control with the biological larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) in Peru and Ecuador

A study on the efficacy of Bti spraying in mosquito breeding places was undertaken in the Pacific coast of Peru and Ecuador and in the Amazon area of Peru. It was shown that Bti is a powerful larvicide for Anopheles larvae, although it sinks quickly, whereas Anopheles larvae feed at the water surface. The duration of its effect was less than 7 days with the exception of the Amazon area of Peru, where is was approximately 10 days. In two study areas, Bti was sprayed weekly over periods of 10 and 7 weeks, respectively, and the adult mosquito densities were monitored. The Anopheles adult density (bites per person per hour on human baits) was reduced by an average of 70% in one area and by up to 50% in the other. This means that Bti spraying can potentially be an important component of a modified malaria control strategy.