Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Protocols for Testing the Toxicity of Novel Insecticidal Chemistries to Mosquitoes
Published on: February 13, 2019
Irritability of malaria vector, Anopheles sacharovi to different insecticides in a malaria-prone area
Hassan Vatandoost1, Mohammad Reza Abai
1Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health and National Institute for Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. hvatandoost1@yahoo.com
Objective:
To determine the susceptibility and irritability level of malaria vector Anopheles sacharovi (An. sachrovi) to different insecticides in a malaria-prone area.
Methods:
Susceptibility and irritability levels of field collected strain of An. sacharovi to WHO standard papers of DDT 4%, dieldrin 0.4%, malathion 5%, fenitrothion 1%, permethrin 0.75%, and deltamethrin 0.05% were determined in East Azerbaijan of Iran during reemerging of malaria as described by WHO.
Results:
Results showed that at the diagnostic dose of insecticides this species exhibited resistance to DDT, tolerant to dieldrin and but somehow susceptible to fenitrothion, malathion, permethrin and deltamethrin. The results of irritability of this species to DDT, lambdacyhalothrin, permethrin cyfluthrin and deltamethrin revealed that DDT had had the most and deltamethrin the least irritancy effect. The average number of take offs/fly/minutes for DDT was 0.8±0.2. The order of irritability for permethrin, lambdacyhalothrin, cyfluthrin and deltamethrin were 0.7±0.2, 0.5±0.2, 0.5±0.3, and 0.2±0.1, respectively.
Conclusions:
Results of this study reveals the responsiveness of the main malaria vector to different insecticides. This phenomenon is depending on several factors such as type and background of insecticide used previously, insecticide properties, and physiology of the species. Careful monitoring of insecticide resistance and irritability level of species could provide a clue for appropriate selection of insecticide for malaria control.
Insights
Malaria vector Anopheles sacharovi shows resistance to DDT but remains susceptible to fenitrothion, malathion, permethrin, and deltamethrin. Monitoring insecticide resistance is crucial for effective malaria control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Vector-Borne Diseases
- Insecticide Resistance
Background:
- Malaria remains a significant global health threat, necessitating effective vector control strategies.
- The primary malaria vector in East Azerbaijan, Iran, is Anopheles sacharovi.
- Understanding insecticide susceptibility and irritability is vital for managing vector populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the susceptibility of Anopheles sacharovi to key insecticides.
- To determine the irritability levels of Anopheles sacharovi to selected insecticides.
- To inform malaria control programs through resistance monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Field-collected Anopheles sacharovi strains were tested against WHO-standard insecticide papers.
- Insecticides tested included DDT, dieldrin, malathion, fenitrothion, permethrin, and deltamethrin.
- Susceptibility and irritability assays were conducted following WHO guidelines.
Main Results:
- Anopheles sacharovi exhibited resistance to DDT and tolerance to dieldrin.
- The vector showed susceptibility to fenitrothion, malathion, permethrin, and deltamethrin.
- DDT displayed the highest irritancy, while deltamethrin showed the least.
Conclusions:
- Insecticide resistance in Anopheles sacharovi is influenced by factors like prior insecticide use and species physiology.
- Continuous monitoring of insecticide resistance and irritability is essential for selecting appropriate control agents.
- This research provides critical data for optimizing malaria vector control in the region.

