[Biolarvicide Bacillus sphaericus-2362(GRISELESF) for the control of malaria in a health area of the Republic of Honduras]

Abstract

The results of the application of biolarvicide Bacillus sphaericus-2362(GRISELESF) for the reduction of larval densities of Anopheles albimanus as the impact on the epidemiological situation of the disease in health area 2, Sanitary Region 1 of the Ministry of Health Care of Honduras. The biolarvicide was applied in 1999 in five health units which were the most affected by this tropical disease (Ojo del Agua, Villa de San Francisco, San Juan de Flores, Moroceli and El Jicarito). The dose used was 10 ml per square meter of effective breeding area; larval densities were estimated during biological pre- and post-treatment phases. The product showed 100 % effectiveness and a lasting effect up to four months after treatment in the 11 monitored breeding sites. This entomological impact led to a significantly statistical reduction (p < 0,01) of annual parasite incidence in 1999 (21,45) as compared with 1998(45,64) in the five treated units. It was also observed that this product was harmless to Anopheles almimanus larva-eating fish and insects (Coleóptera, Hemiptera and Odonata. The satisfactory entomological and epidemiological results in this health area allowed recommending this biological method as part of the comprehensive programs for the control of malarial vectors in the Republic of Honduras.