Biodegradable Medicine Against Dengue, Zika & Chikungunya

By Enrique Cheang, E.C.V. & Asociados

Venezuela has introduced a new medicine in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases: a biodegradable product designed to combat mosquitos that carry illnesses like dengue, zika, and chikungunya. This development is part of a science, technology and innovation initiative which aims to boost scientific and technological progress.

Dengue, zika, and chikungunya are all viral diseases transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitos. Dengue fever is the most common, infecting an estimated 390 million people globally each year. Symptoms can range from a mild fever to a severe illness that can be fatal. Zika can cause birth defects in babies born to infected mothers, while chikungunya is characterized by fever and severe joint pain.

The new product, developed by researchers at the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC) and the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), is a two-pronged attack on mosquitos. It joins a growing arsenal of tools used to combat these diseases. 

Already existing methods include:

-Chemical insecticides: These are widely used to kill adult mosquitos, but can have negative effects on human health and the environment.
-Mosquito nets: Treated bed nets are a simple and effective way to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping.
-Larvicides: Various chemical and biological products target mosquito larvae in their aquatic breeding grounds. Some commonly used larvicides include Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) and Temephos.

Venezuela's new product offers a potentially more sustainable alternative. Larvivac targets mosquito larvae using entomopathogenic bacteria, a type of bacteria harmful to insects. Extoex, the other product, tackles adult mosquitos with a mixture of spores from fungi that are known to kill insects. Both products are biodegradable, minimizing their impact on the environment.