Biomolecular Minerals and Volcanic Glass Bio-Mimics to Control Adult Sand Flies, the Vector of Human Leishmania Protozoan Parasites

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) serve as vectors for transmitting protozoan parasites, Leishmania spp., that cause the disease called leishmaniasis. The main approach to controlling sand is use of chemical insecticides. discovery alternative methods their control needed because potential health risks insecticides and development fly resistance these pesticides. biomineral produced by diatoms (diatomaceous earth, DE; Celite) a volcanic glass bio-mimic (Imergard) have been shown our group be efficacious against mosquitoes, filth flies, ticks but never studied flies. In modified World Health Organization cone test, 50% adult Phlebotomus papatasi at 29 ± 1 °C, 55 5% RH, 12:12 LD, when exposed Imergard Celite, were dead in 13.08 7.57 h, respectively. Proof concept was established biominerals leishmaniasis control. Using light source an attractant minerals had no significant effect on LT50, time mortality. LT50 higher relative humidity 70 increased 20.91 20.56 h respectively, suggesting mode action dehydration. Scanning electron microscopy showed high coating levels Celite only sides thorax tarsi, mechanical