Ivermectin as an endectocide may boost control of malaria vectors in India and contribute to elimination

Abstract

Malaria constitutes one of the largest public health burdens faced by humanity. Malaria control has to be an efficient balance between diagnosis, treatment and vector control strategies. The World Health Organization currently recommends indoor residual spraying and impregnated bed nets as two malaria vector control methods that have shown robust and persistent results against endophilic and anthropophilic mosquito species. The Indian government launched the National Framework for Malaria Elimination in 2016 with the aim to achieve the elimination of malaria in a phased and strategic manner and to sustain a nation-wide malaria-free status by 2030. India is currently in a crucial phase of malaria elimination and novel vector control strategies maybe helpful in dealing with various challenges, such as vector behavioural adaptations and increasing insecticide resistance among the Anopheles populations of India. Ivermectin can be one such new tool as it is the first endectocide to be approved in both animals and humans. Trials of ivermectin have been conducted in endemic areas of Africa with promising results. In this review, we assess available data on ivermectin as an endectocide and propose that this endectocide should be explored as a vector control tool for malaria in India. Graphical Abstract

Surveillance and Control of Malaria Vectors in Hainan Province, China from 1950 to 2021: A Retrospective Review

“…New methods for malaria vector control should be considered for implementation in Hainan, as some studies in other countries have indicated there are methods that can significantly reduce mosquito populations. These were included: (1) attractive toxic sugar baits, which exploit the need for both male and female mosquitoes to take sugar meals [ 91 , 92 ]; (2) new insecticides such as broflanilide applied for IRS [ 93 , 94 , 95 ]; and (3) treating cattle with ivermectin to reduce the mosquito population in certain areas [ 96 ].…”

Addressing challenges in vector control: a review of current strategies and the imperative for novel tools in India’s combat against vector-borne diseases

“…In Africa's endemic regions, ivermectin trials have been carried out and have been reported with encouraging outcomes. 68 According to Mekuriaw et al's study, mosquitoes that fed on blood treated with ivermectin displayed a higher mortality rate compared with the control group. 69 Further research has shown that administering standard veterinary doses of ivermectin to cattle results in a significant decrease in the survival rates of An.…”

Malaria control initiatives that have the potential to be gamechangers in India's quest for malaria elimination

“…Therefore, expansion of indications for use of ivermectin should be feasible. 50 Toxic Sugar Baits: Traps with and without attractant (Toxic Sugar Bait/Attractive Toxic Sugar Bait) are being tested in Africa, Israel and USA. These can be useful as an outdoor vector control tool against malaria and dengue vectors.…”