Effect of fluralaner on the biology, survival, and reproductive fitness of the neotropical malaria vector Anopheles aquasalis

• Published in: Malaria journal Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 1 - 337
• Main Authors: Alcântara, João Arthur, de Araújo, Francys Sayara Andrade, da Costa Paz, Andréia, Alencar, Rodrigo Maciel, de Albuquerque Caldas, Berta Yoná, Godoy, Raquel Soares Maia, Lacerda, Marcus Vinicius Guimarães, de Melo, Gisely Cardoso, Monteiro, Wuelton Marcelo, de Souza Sampaio, Vanderson, Secundino, Nágila Francinete Costa, Duarte, Ana Paula Marques, Santana, Rosa Amélia Gonçalves, Pimenta, Paulo Filemon Paolucci
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BioMed Central Ltd 07-11-2023; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Anopheles; Anopheles aquasalis; Aquatic insects; Biology; Central nervous system; Chloride channels; Disease control; Disease transmission; Drugs; Ectoparasites; Experiments; Fecundity; Fertility; Fleas; Fluralaner; GABA; Health aspects; Human diseases; Humidity; Hyperactivity; Insecticides; Ion channels; Larvae; Malaria; Mortality; Mortality causes; Mosquitoes; Neotropical vector; Neurons; Oral administration; Parasites; Pathogens; Pupae; Reproductive fitness; Survival; Toxicity tests; Vector-borne diseases; Vectors; Vectors (Biology); γ-Aminobutyric acid; Brazil; Amazon Basin
• ISSN: 1475-2875; 1475-2875
• DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04767-0

Background Reducing mosquito abundance or interfering with its ability to support the parasite cycle can help to interrupt malaria in areas of significant risk of malaria transmission. Fluralaner is a safe and effective drug for veterinary use indicated for the treatment against fleas and ticks which acts as an antagonist of chloride ion channels mediated by [gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA), preventing the entry of these ions into the postsynaptic neuron, leading to hyperexcitability of the postsynaptic neuron of the central nervous system of arthropods. Fluralaner demonstrated insecticidal activity against different insect species. Methods The study aimed to evaluate the effects of fluralaner on the biology, survival, and reproductive fitness of Anopheles aquasalis. The following lethal concentrations (LC) were determined for An. aquasalis: LC.sub.5 = 0.511 [micro]M; LC.sub.25 = 1.625 [micro]M; LC.sub.50 = 3.237 [micro]M. Results A significant decrease (P < 0.001) was evident in the number of eggs, larvae, and pupae in the group exposed to a sublethal dose of fluralaner when compared to a control group (without the drug). Using blood from dogs after administration of fluralaner, it was observed that the drug causes 100% mortality in An. aquasalis in less than 24 h after feeding; this effect remains even after 90 days in all samples. Discussion Fluralaner showed the same result for up to 60 days, and after that, there was a slight reduction in its effect, evidenced by a decrease in the percentage of dead females; however, still significant when compared to the control group. Conclusion Fluralaner affects the biology and reduction of survival in An. aquasalis in a lasting and prolonged period, and its fecundity with lower dosages, is a strong candidate for controlling disease vectors. Keywords: Malaria, Neotropical vector, Anopheles aquasalis, Fluralaner