Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 223-231 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 223 Review Article Open Access Public Health Implications of Bt-based Mosquito Control Programs Minsheng Lin Hainan Tropical Agricultural Resources Research Institute, Tropical Microbial Resources Research Center, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: minsheng.lin@hitar.org Bt Research, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0022 Received: 27 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 06 Sep., 2024 Published: 21 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Lin, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Lin M.S., 2024, Public health implications of Bt-based mosquito control programs, Bt Research, 15(5): 223-231 (doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0022) Abstract This study explores the public health implications of the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), especially Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Israel (Bti), in mosquito control programs. Effective vector control is critical as mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika and West Nile virus pose increasing challenges. Bti-based interventions are a viable alternative to chemical insecticides due to their specificity, small environmental impact, and low propensity to develop resistance in target mosquito populations. The study illustrates the mechanism of action, efficacy, and environmental considerations of Bt toxin, as well as the potential for resistance development. Field studies and case studies highlight significant reductions in mosquito populations and disease incidence, confirming the effectiveness of Bt-based strategies in different ecological environments. Keywords Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israel; Mosquito control; Mosquito-borne diseases; Environmental impacts; Resistance management 1 Introduction Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a soil-dwelling bacterium that produces crystal proteins (Cry and Cyt toxins) during sporulation, which are highly toxic to various insect larvae, including mosquitoes. Bt subspecies israelensis (Bti) is particularly effective against mosquito larvae and has been widely used in mosquito control programs. The Cry and Cyt toxins from Bti disrupt the gut cells of mosquito larvae, leading to their death. Recent advancements have explored the synergistic effects of combining Bt toxins with other bacterial metabolites to enhance their efficacy against mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens (Park et al., 2016). Additionally, novel formulations and genetic modifications, such as the expression of Bt toxins in green algae, have been developed to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of Bt-based mosquito control (Kang et al., 2017). Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus, pose significant public health challenges globally. These diseases result in substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Effective mosquito control is crucial in reducing the transmission of these diseases. Traditional chemical insecticides have faced issues such as resistance development and environmental concerns, making Bt-based biopesticides an attractive alternative due to their specificity and lower environmental impact2 6. However, the persistence of Bt toxins in the environment and potential resistance development in mosquito populations necessitate continuous monitoring and evaluation (Dorsch et al., 2002; Paris et al., 2011). This study comprehensively analyzes the impact of Bt based mosquito control programs on public health, covering the mechanism of action of Bt toxins, the effectiveness and environmental impact of Bt formulations, and the potential for mosquito population resistance development; We will also discuss the socio-economic aspects of mosquito control and the public's views on Bt based intervention measures. To provide information on sustainable and effective strategies for using Bt in mosquito control, while addressing the benefits and challenges associated with its application. 2 Bt-Based Mosquito Control Programs 2.1 Bt toxins and their mode of action on mosquito larvae Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, particularly those fromBacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), are highly effective in controlling mosquito larvae. These toxins work by producing crystal proteins (Cry and Cyt toxins) that
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