Using Fish to Control Mosquitoes in Karnataka
Author Information
Author(s): Ghosh Susanta K, Chakaravarthy Preethi, Panch Sandhya R, Krishnappa Pushpalatha, Tiwari Satyanarayan, Ojha Vijay P, R Manjushree, Dash Aditya P
Primary Institution: National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR)
Hypothesis
Can the introduction of larvivorous fish reduce Aedes aegypti populations and chikungunya cases in Karnataka?
Conclusion
The introduction of Poecilia fish combined with information campaigns effectively reduced Aedes aegypti populations and chikungunya cases.
Supporting Evidence
- Chikungunya cases were reduced by 99.87% in Domatmari after fish introduction.
- Only 18% of respondents knew about the role of mosquitoes in fever outbreaks before the IEC campaigns.
- Indoor cement tanks were identified as the most preferred breeding habitat for Aedes aegypti.
Takeaway
This study found that adding fish to water tanks can help stop mosquitoes from breeding and make people less sick from chikungunya.
Methodology
The study involved releasing two types of fish into water tanks and conducting surveys to assess their impact on mosquito larvae and chikungunya cases.
Potential Biases
Participants in control villages may have introduced fish independently, affecting the study's results.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small number of villages and the potential for fish to be introduced in control villages.
Participant Demographics
The study included households from two districts in Karnataka, with a total population of 4,950 across the villages.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 78.1-94.6%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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