Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a global threat to urban and rural environments and can have negative effects on a range of organisms. Mosquito larvae often breed in water contaminated with MPs, and given their important role as disease vectors, understanding the effects of larval exposure to MPs is critical for understanding the potential impact on their life history traits and subsequent methods for their control. Here, we have exposed first instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae s.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe rapid development of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors threatens insecticide-based interventions. It is hypothesized that infection of insecticide-resistant vectors with Plasmodium parasites increases their vulnerability to insecticides, thus assuring the effectiveness of insecticide-based strategies for malaria control. Nonetheless, there is limited field data to support this.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Malaria still claims substantial lives of individuals in Tanzania. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spray (IRS) are used as major malaria vector control tools. These tools are facing great challenges from the rapid escalating insecticide resistance in malaria vector populations.
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