Abstract |
Estimating the biting fraction of mosquitoes is of critical importance for risk assessment of malaria transmission. Here, we present a novel odor-based tool that has been rigorously assessed in semi-field assays and traditional African villages for estimating the number of mosquitoes that enter houses in search of a blood meal. A standard synthetic blend (SB) consisting of ammonia, (S)- lactic acid, tetradecanoic acid, and carbon dioxide was complemented with isovaleric acid, 4,5 dimethylthiazole, 2-methyl-1-butanol, and 3-methyl-1-butanol in various combinations and concentrations, and tested for attractiveness to the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Compounds were released through low density polyethylene ( LDPE) material or from nylon strips ( nylon). Studies were done in a semi-field facility and two traditional villages in western Kenya. The alcohol 3-methyl-1-butanol significantly increased the attraction of SB. The other compounds proved less effective or inhibitory. Tested in a village, 3-methyl-1-butanol, released from LDPE, increased the attraction of SB. Further studies showed a significantly enhanced attraction of adding 3-methyl-1-butanol to SB compared to previously-published attractive blends both under semi-field and village conditions. Other mosquito species with relevance for public health were collected with this blend in significantly higher numbers as well. These results demonstrate the advent of a novel, reliable odor-based sampling tool for the collection of malaria and other mosquitoes. The advantage of this odor-based tool over existing mosquito sampling tools is its reproducibility, objectiveness, and relatively low cost compared to current standards of CDC light traps or the human landing catch.
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Authors | Wolfgang R Mukabana, Collins K Mweresa, Bruno Otieno, Philemon Omusula, Renate C Smallegange, Joop J A van Loon, Willem Takken |
Journal | Journal of chemical ecology
(J Chem Ecol)
Vol. 38
Issue 3
Pg. 235-44
(Mar 2012)
ISSN: 1573-1561 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 22426893
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Butanols
- Hemiterpenes
- Insecticides
- Pentanoic Acids
- Thiazoles
- isovaleric acid
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Topics |
- Africa
- Animals
- Anopheles
(physiology)
- Butanols
(chemistry, metabolism)
- Culicidae
(physiology)
- Hemiterpenes
- Humans
- Insecticides
(chemistry, metabolism)
- Mosquito Control
(methods)
- Odorants
(analysis)
- Pentanoic Acids
(chemistry, metabolism)
- Thiazoles
(chemistry, metabolism)
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