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Published on: May 17, 2013
Laboratory experiments on the control of cyclops transmitting guinea worm
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 1, 1970
Summary
Guinea worm disease control requires targeting its intermediate host, cyclops. Abate, an affordable and low-toxicity insecticide, shows promise for widespread application in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Parasitology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Guinea worm disease (Dracunculus medinensis) impacts millions in low-income rural regions.
- Feasible control measures are limited by low living standards.
- Intermediate hosts, cyclops, inhabit potable water sources like ponds and wells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify effective and practical insecticidal/molluscicidal compounds.
- To assess compound toxicity against cyclops, the intermediate host.
- To find compounds suitable for widespread use in endemic areas.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory testing of various insecticidal and molluscicidal compounds.
- Evaluation of compound toxicity specifically targeting cyclops species.
- Assessment of compound cost, mammalian toxicity, and ease of application.
Main Results:
- Several compounds were tested for efficacy against cyclops.
- Abate (insecticide) demonstrated significant promise.
- Abate meets key criteria: cost-effectiveness, low mammalian toxicity, and effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Targeting cyclops is crucial for guinea worm disease eradication.
- Abate presents a viable option for controlling intermediate hosts.
- Further discussion on application timing and methods in endemic regions is warranted.
