Laboratory evaluation of Dimethyl phthalate treated wristbands against three predominant mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) vectors of disease

K. Karunamoorthi*,§,#, S. Sabesan§

*Unit of Vector Biology & Control, Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health & Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma (Ethiopia); §Vector Control Research Center (Indian Council of Medical Research), Indira Nagar, Pondicherry (India); #Research and Development Center, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (India)

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• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Abstract. – Objectives and Materials and Methods: The repellent efficacy of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) treated wristband was determined against mosquitoes, viz Anopheles stephensi Liston, Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, Culex quinquefasciatus Say at two concentrations viz., 1.5 and 2.0 mg/cm2 under the laboratory conditions. DMP treated wristband had shown variable degrees of repellency impact against different mosquito species.
Results: Its offered higher reduction of man landing rate against Anopheles stephensi at both concentrations of 1.5 (81.1%) and 2.0 mg/cm2 (87.0%). 79.8% and 84.8% of protection achieved against Culex quinquefasciatus at concentrations of 1.5 and 2.0 mg/cm2, respectively. 74.4 and 86.5% of reduction of man landing rates were obtained against Aedes aegypti at concentrations of 1.5 and 2.0 mg/cm2 respectively. The reduction of man-landing rate evaluations were confirmed by t-test compared between control group and each experimental group. The t-test result shows at 1.5 (p = 0.0026; t = 19.2; df = 2) as well 2.0 mg/cm2 (p = 0.0025; t = 19.8; df = 2) are extremely significant to reduce the man vector contact.
Conclusion: The present data suggest that DMP treated wristbands are most promising against both day and night-biting mosquitoes and significantly reducing the man-vector contact. Therefore, it could serve as a potential as means of personal protection device against insect nuisance biting and insect-borne disease when and where other kinds of personal protection measures are impossible and impracticable.

Corresponding Author: Kaliyaperumal Karunamoorthi, M.Sc., M.Phil DPHM;
e-mail: k_karunamoorthi@yahoo.com