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Evaluation of avermectins as sandfly control agents
H A Kassem1, M K Tewfick, B M El Sawaf
1Department of Biological and Natural Sciences, Institute of Environmental Studies and Research, Ain Shams University, Code 11566, Cairo, Egypt. hakassem@hotmail.com
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
|July 17, 2001
Summary
Avermectins like ivermectin and abamectin show potential for controlling sandflies, the vectors of Leishmania. Low doses killed sandflies and reduced egg production, indicating a viable pest control strategy.
Area of Science:
- Vector-borne disease control
- Parasitology
- Environmental toxicology
Background:
- Leishmania parasites are transmitted by sandflies.
- Current control methods face challenges like insecticide resistance.
- Avermectins are potential alternatives due to their safety profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate avermectins (ivermectin and abamectin) as agents for controlling sandfly vectors.
- To determine the efficacy of avermectins against *Phlebotomus papatasi* and *P. langeroni*.
Main Methods:
- Sandflies were exposed to avermectins via contaminated blood or sugar meals.
- Median lethal concentrations (LC50) and doses affecting fecundity (LC30) were determined.
- Egg hatching rates were assessed after avermectin exposure.
Main Results:
- Low concentrations of ivermectin and abamectin were lethal to sandflies.
- Sublethal doses of ivermectin significantly reduced sandfly survival and fecundity.
- Avermectin exposure did not significantly affect egg hatching rates.
Conclusions:
- Avermectins are effective in controlling *P. papatasi* and *P. langeroni* at very low concentrations.
- Avermectins can reduce sandfly populations by causing mortality and decreasing reproductive capacity.
- These findings suggest avermectins as promising, environmentally safer agents for sandfly vector control.