MALARIA - EXISTING METHODS OF VECTOR CONTROL AND MOLECULAR ENTOMOLOGY

In general, the most effective means of malaria vector control is the killing of adult mosquitoes with a residual insecticide applied to bed nets or sprayed on house walls and ceilings. Major reductions in all-c ause child mortality have been achieved in Africa by these means. In s ome circumstances, personal protection and larval control may also mak e a contribution. We discuss the prospects of genetic control by relea se of sterile male mosquitoes or driving genes for refractoriness to m alaria into wild populations. Many major malaria vectors belong to com plexes of sibling species which differ in vectorial and biological cha racteristics. Distinguishing the species by cytogenetic or molecular m ethods is important for epidemiological studies and could improve the targeting of control.