IPB University Researchers Find a Way to Overcome Mosquitoes Causing DHF with Sugar Bait and Poisoned Blood
IPB University researchers found a way to lure dengue fever (DD)/dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) transmitting mosquitoes using sugar bait and poisoned blood. He is Dr drh Supriyono, MSi and Team, lecturers of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SKHB).
His invention entitled “Attractive Toxic Blood Sugar Bait (ATBSB) as an Alternative Mosquito Control for Dengue Fever Vectors (Aedes aegypti)” became one of those selected in 116 Indonesian Innovations 2024 by the Business Innovation Center (BIC).
Dr drh Supriyono said, ATBSB is a method to attract mosquitoes using materials containing blood, sugar, and insecticides. Mosquitoes will come to suck the bait liquid and will die from contact with the insecticide.
Furthermore, ATBSB is made with a composition of blood, sugar, and insecticide ratio of 60:39:1. The blood used in the manufacture of ATBSB is cow blood from the slaughterhouse, while the sugar comes from white granulated sugar. The insecticide used was sipermetrin with a concentration of 0,1 percent. The use of ATBSB is done with an applicator made of paralon material and has a light source as a heater.
“Based on the laboratory-scale ATBSB formulation efficacy test in the Peet Grady room, it shows that the formulation can attract Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to come and cause mosquito death up to 81 percent after 24 hours of installation,” he explained.
In addition, acute oral and dermal toxicology tests also showed that the ATBSB formulation is included in class IV or non-toxic insecticide formulation materials.
Dr Supriyono explained that the role of blood in this formulation is as an attractant. The sugar liquid is made from granulated sugar dissolved in water. Glucose is needed by mosquitoes as an energy source for life. Meanwhile, cipermethrin is one of the pyrethroid insecticides that can kill mosquitoes.
“The mechanism of action of ATBSB is that blood and sugar act as attractants that will attract mosquitoes to come and suck blood. When mosquitoes come to suck blood, they will indirectly come into contact with sipermethrin insecticide which will cause mosquitoes to die,” he said.
ATBSB requires a relatively warm temperature or close to human body temperature (36-37°C). Therefore, the applicator is designed to reach or obtain the appropriate temperature for ATBSB so that its function as an attractant for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes is optimal.
More about mosquitoes, Dr Supriyono said that Aedes spp. mosquitoes are small, black in color, and have white patches on their body and legs. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the vectors of DHF.
Generally, Ae. aegypti mosquitoes breed in clear stagnant water and indoors. Preferred breeding sites include bathtubs, crocks, old tires, and used items that are stagnant. Meanwhile, Ae. albopictus prefers habitats outside the home such as coconut shells, bamboo, used cans, and used tires.
“The danger is that Aedes spp. eggs can survive in dry conditions at varying times and intensities for up to several months, but remain alive. If waterlogged, some eggs may hatch after a few hours to days,” he explained.
The increasing number of dengue cases in Indonesia has led to the need for various efforts to reduce the spread of the disease through mosquito vectors, one of which is by suppressing the vector mosquito population. (dh) (IAAS/LAN)
