Polyols induce acute oxidative stress and mortality in Indian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi (Diptera:...

Development of insecticide resistance in the major malaria vectors has necessitated the development of novel vector control tools. One such strategy involves the use of toxic sugar baits that targets the sugar-feeding behaviour of mosquito vectors. In this study, we investigated the potential of polyols, as a toxic food (sugar) source in toxic sugar baits against the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi Liston. We examined the acute toxicity of six polyols, namely, erythritol, glycerol, mannitol, propylene glycol (PG), sorbitol, and xylitol on adult female An. stephensi mosquitoes at two different concentrations - 2% and 10%. We also studied changes in fecundity, egg hatchability and mid-gut peroxide levels induced by polyol exposure.

Among the six polyol compounds tested, PG was most toxic and lethal followed by glycerol and erythritol (P < 0.001) compared to the control (sucrose). PG induced acute mortality at different tested concentrations. In the erythritol- and glycerol-fed groups, a dose-dependent effect on mortality was observed. Glycerol evidently reduced fecundity and egg-hatchability in gonotrophic cycles G1 and G2. Sucrose was the preferred food source (48%), followed by erythritol (18%), PG (10%) and glycerol (8%). Ingestion of polyols increased peroxide levels in mosquito guts, which persisted for extended durations ultimately resulting in rapid mortality (P < 0.05).

The present study highlights the usefulness of sugar polyols for the development of toxic sugar baits with minimal yet effective ingredients. Further research could be focused on field experiments and on the exploration of synergistic effects of different polyols for optimization of field applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.