Susceptibility of Anopheles stephensi against five current chemical insecticides

Introduction: Malaria is still an important health problem in southern Iran. Anopheles stephensi is one of the most important vectors of malaria, especially in urban areas. Because of long time of chemical insecticides against vectors in endemic areas and their potential resistance to such chemicals, it is necessary that vectors continuously to be assessed against susceptibility level. We aimed to investigate the susceptibility or resistance of Anopheles stephensi against five in-used insecticides in Hormozgan province, 2008. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, mosquitoes were captured from Minab districts. Five chemical insecticides including DDT 4%, Fenithrothion 1%, Bendiocarb 0.1%, Lambdacyhalothrin 0.05% and Deltamethrin 0.05% were assessed. Susceptibility tests were achieved using WHO standard kits and standard Diagnostic doses impregnated papers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Anopheles stephensi (Minab strain) was susceptible to Bendiocarb and Deltamethrin (100% mortality rate), however, it had some tolerance compared to others. Mortality rates to DDT, Fenithrothion and Lambdacyhalothrin were 97%, 95% and 98%, respectively. Conclusion: It seems that Deltamethrin and Bendiocarb are the best and most effective chemical insecticides control Anopheles stephensi. It is better to use such insecticides in the least effective dose and rotation.