Advances in biological control in relation to vectors of human diseases

In recent years, increased knowledge of insect pathology and ecology and the development of insecticide-resistance have led to a revival of interest in biological methods of controlling insects that carry human diseases. The author of this paper reviews the information at present available with regard to the various pathogens, predators and parasites of insect vectors of human disease-cockroaches, lice, bugs, fleas, mosquitos, flies and ticks-and suggests lines of future research that might prove profitable. In this connexion he stresses that only a world-wide investigation of the diseases of medically important insects will yield data on which a balanced biological research programme can be based-a programme leading to the development of practicable control procedures and their integration with chemical and other methods of control.