Richard Parks A new study has revealed a potential breakthrough in mosquito control that could help fight deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, and yellow fever. Scientists have found that nitisinone, a drug originally developed for treating rare genetic disorders, can make human blood toxic to mosquitoes.
This discovery could lead to a new approach in controlling mosquito populations, providing an alternative to traditional insecticides, which are becoming less effective due to growing resistance among mosquito species.
How Nitisinone Works Against Mosquitoes
Nitisinone is a drug typically used to treat people with inherited metabolic disorders. It works by blocking a specific enzyme, preventing harmful byproducts from accumulating in the body. Scientists now believe that this same enzyme-blocking effect can be used against mosquitoes.
The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, found that when mosquitoes feed on blood containing nitisinone, the drug disrupts their digestion, ultimately killing them.
Dr. Lee R. Haines, an associate research professor at the University of Notre Dame, co-led the study and explained the significance of the findings:
“One way to stop the spread of diseases transmitted by insects is to make the blood of animals and humans toxic to these blood-feeding insects.”
The study also showed that nitisinone kills mosquitoes at all life stages, including older ones that are more likely to carry and transmit diseases like malaria. Importantly, the drug was effective against mosquitoes resistant to traditional insecticides, making it a potential game-changer in the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses.
How Nitisinone Compares to Other Mosquito Control Methods
Traditional mosquito control efforts rely on insecticides, bed nets, and repellents. In some areas, ivermectin, another drug, has been used to make human blood lethal to mosquitoes. However, ivermectin use has raised concerns due to its environmental impact and the risk of mosquito resistance.
Professor Álvaro Acosta Serrano, a co-author of the study and professor of biological sciences, explained why nitisinone may be a better alternative:
“Nitisinone has a much longer half-life in human blood than ivermectin. That means its mosquito-killing effect lasts longer in the bloodstream—an important factor for safety and cost in real-world applications.”
This longer half-life means that a single dose could remain effective for an extended period, making it more practical for large-scale use in mosquito-prone areas.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases: A Growing Global Threat
Diseases spread by mosquitoes kill hundreds of thousands of people each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that malaria alone caused over 600,000 deaths in 2022, with most victims being children under five in sub-Saharan Africa.
Other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue, Zika virus, and West Nile virus, are also on the rise. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that due to climate change, Europe is seeing an increase in invasive mosquito species, raising concerns about potential disease outbreaks.
Malaria was once widespread in Europe but has been eradicated for decades. However, the increasing mosquito population and rising temperatures have raised fears of a possible resurgence.
Could Nitisinone Be the Future of Mosquito Control?
The discovery of nitisinone’s mosquito-killing ability offers a new weapon in the battle against mosquito-borne diseases. If further studies confirm its safety and effectiveness, it could be integrated into public health programs in regions heavily affected by malaria and other mosquito-related illnesses.
Dr. Haines believes that combining nitisinone with other strategies could help slow the spread of these diseases. He suggested that alternating between nitisinone and ivermectin could prevent resistance while maintaining mosquito population control.
“For example, nitisinone could be used in regions where ivermectin resistance is widespread or where it’s already heavily used for both livestock and humans,” he said.
Next Steps and Challenges
While the findings are promising, scientists still need to conduct more studies to ensure that nitisinone is safe for widespread use in humans. One major question is how to administer the drug effectively without causing side effects.
If researchers find a safe and practical way to introduce nitisinone into public health programs, it could revolutionize the fight against mosquito-borne diseases and save millions of lives worldwide.