Chromobacterium biopesticide overcomes insecticide resistance in malaria vector mosquitoes

Sci Adv. 2024 Dec 6;10(49):eads3658. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.ads3658. Epub 2024 Dec 4.

Abstract

Vector mosquito control is an integral part of malaria control. The global emergence of insecticide resistance in malaria-transmitting Anophelines has become an impediment and has created an urgent need for novel mosquito control approaches. Here, we show that a biopesticide derived from the soil-dwelling bacterium Chromobacterium sp. Panama (Csp_P) kills insecticide-resistant Anopheles mosquitoes, regardless of their resistance mechanisms. In addition, sublethal dose of Csp_P acts as a synergist to now used chemical insecticides across multiple classes. Moreover, Csp_P reduces host-seeking behavior and malaria parasite infection in vector mosquitoes in ways that further decrease transmission. Mosquito glutathione S-transferases are essential for Csp_P's mosquito-killing mechanism. Enclosed field trials in Burkina Faso, conducted in diverse ecological settings and supported by a mathematical model, have now demonstrated its potential for malaria control in settings with widespread insecticide resistance.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anopheles* / drug effects
  • Anopheles* / microbiology
  • Anopheles* / parasitology
  • Biological Control Agents / pharmacology
  • Burkina Faso
  • Chromobacterium* / drug effects
  • Insecticide Resistance*
  • Insecticides* / pharmacology
  • Malaria* / parasitology
  • Malaria* / prevention & control
  • Malaria* / transmission
  • Mosquito Control / methods
  • Mosquito Vectors* / drug effects
  • Mosquito Vectors* / microbiology
  • Mosquito Vectors* / parasitology
  • Pest Control, Biological / methods

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Biological Control Agents