An environmentally friendly way to manage mosquito populations

3 March 2008

The discovery of a naturally occurring strain of bacteria that kills mosquito larvae in the wild could lead to a more environmentally-friendly approach to mosquito control.

According to Monash University researcher Dr Chua Tock Hing, the particular strain of bacteria was found in the Malaysian state of Pahang and produces a toxin that kills mosquito larvae by destroying their gut tissue.

"If we can isolate the toxin, it can perhaps be developed into an alternative way to control mosquito population," said Dr Chua, who is leading a joint research effort between Monash University's Sunway campus and the Malaysian government's Institute of Medical Research in Kuala Lumpur to isolate the toxin. He said the strain of the Bacillus thurigiensis bacteria was discovered by the IMR and made available to the university for the research project.

The joint research project, which includes the involvement of an honours student from Monash, has the two institutions sharing staff and equipment for work on extracting several toxins produced by the bacteria and isolating the specific toxin that destroys the mosquito larvae gut tissue.

"At this stage, we have already extracted several types of toxins from the bacteria and are currently conducting tests to isolate the specific toxin that attacks the mosquito larvae."

"Having done this, we will also need to identify the concentrations of the toxins needed for it to be effective when used to control mosquito populations in the environment," explained Dr Chua.

Dr.Chua pointed out that the toxin appears to only affect mosquito larvae and this offers many advantages over other forms of controlling mosquitoes.

"We may have the opportunity to develop an alternative way of controlling mosquito populations without resorting to heavy use of chemical pesticides."

"In addition, this eco-friendly approach may also produce little effect on other insect populations in the environment," he added.