263 - Simple, small and smart system for monitoring and control of dengue vector

Abstract: Onset of dengue epidemics in Pakistan has now been a regular phenomenon. Management of the vector mosquito is sole method to control dengue as no vaccine is available. Vectors are generally controlled by synthetic pesticides which have many associated harms like insecticidal resistance, environmental pollution and threat to non-targets etc. Use of biocontrol agents such as entomopathogenic fungi can be effective alternate controlling measures.
So, a smart control device / system comprised on attract, capture and kill strategy was designed and tested in lab and also in field on small scale. The studies included evaluation of different chemicals as mosquitoes’ attractants, design of low-cost plastic bottle-based trap and insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum as biocontrol agent against Aedes aegypti.
Of the different chemicals tested, ammonia appeared to be most effective in attracting Ae. aegypti under controlled conditions. Four different designs were evaluated for a plastic bottle-based trap. The bottle cut in half vertically and covered with black cloth was the most effective. Bottles cut horizontally of with two sided vents were least effective in attracting the vector. M. brunneum was effective in controlling all larval stages in a dose dependant manner with highest mortality observed at 1x108 conidia/ml. The first and second instars were more susceptible.
The above studies were complemented with human centred design studies, whereby, relevant stakeholders and consumers were consulted on the potential field application of the traps. Field experiments had been performed by installing the traps in houses. Interviews / group discussion of house-hold women had been done to get knowledge about various aspects regarding dengue fever and mosquitoes, fever symptoms, vector recognition, devices and cost of mosquito repellents / killing traps / dispensers, treatment cost, and physical and mental burden a family can feel in case of fever patient in the house.