Exploring the Scope and Status of Biological Interventions in Malaria Control
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Malaria is a major health concern worldwide, with an estimated 282 million infections and 610,000 deaths in 2024. Plasmodium parasites, spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes, are the cause. Several interventions, such as indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated bed nets, and antimalarial drugs, have reduced transmission; however, challenges such as insecticide resistance, environmental concerns, and climate change have led to the exploration of alternative approaches. To address these limitations, biological control, which involves the use of natural organisms and biological agents to target mosquito vectors, is increasingly accepted as a viable solution. This method involves viruses, fungi, microbial pathogens, natural predators, alkaloids, essential oils, and plants with larvicidal properties. In addition, genetic techniques such as the sterile insect technique and genetically modified mosquitoes offer new approaches to managing mosquito populations. Additionally, entomopathogenic fungi are of particular interest because they can infect and kill mosquito vectors. In the present narrative review, an overview of existing biological approaches and current research progress that may enhance intervention strategies for sustainable malaria control and eventual eradication is presented.
Institutions: Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Malaria Research, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7151529922
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