ClinicShort Communication | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2834-8745/022
Chemistry in the Service of Dengue Protection
- Marcos Aurélio Gomes da Silva *
Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil.
*Corresponding Author: Marcos Aurélio Gomes da Silva, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil.
Citation: Marcos Aurélio Gomes da Silva, (2024). Chemistry in the Service of Dengue Protection. Journal of Scientific Research and Biomedical Informatics 3(4); DOI:10.31579/2834-8745/022
Copyright: 2024 Marcos Aurélio Gomes da Silva,this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Received: 07 August 2024 | Accepted: 14 August 2024 | Published: 21 August 2024
Keywords: Mosquito Repellents; mosquito; environmental sustainability
Abstract
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus, is a major public health concern worldwide. With no specific treatment or widely available vaccine, prevention is key. This is where chemistry steps in, offering solutions to protect against dengue
Introduction
Mosquito Repellents
Chemical compounds like DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta- toluamide) and picaridin are commonly used in mosquito repellents. These compounds work by interfering with the mosquito's olfactory receptors, making it harder for them to detect human presence.
Insecticides
Chemistry also plays a role in the development of insecticides. Organophosphates, pyrethroids, and carbamates are classesof chemicals used to control mosquito populations. They work by disrupting the nervous system of the mosquito, leading to their death.
Larvicides
Larvicides target mosquitoes in their aquatic larval stage. Chemicals like temephosare used to prevent
larvae from maturing into adults. Anotherapproach is the use of insectgrowth regulators, whichdisrupt the normal growth process of mosquito larvae.
Future Directions
While thesechemical methods have proven effective, there is a growing need for more environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions. Research is being conducted into the use of natural compounds from plants as potential mosquito repellents and larvicides.
In conclusion, chemistry plays a crucial role in the fight against dengue. Through the development of repellents, insecticides, and larvicides, chemistry provides us with the tools to protect ourselvesand our communities from this disease.As we move forward, the challenge will be to balance efficacy with environmental sustainability.
