Researchers have discovered that nitisinone, a drug for treating hereditary tyrosinemia type 1, renders human blood toxic to malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Although nitisinone does not prevent malaria transmission, it could serve as a chemical control measure to reduce mosquito populations, which are responsible for over one million deaths annually. The drug remains effective for a longer period in the bloodstream compared to other chemicals and also can be applied as an insecticide, showing particular promise against insecticide-resistant mosquito species. Field tests are necessary for real-world validation.
"Nitisinone makes human blood toxic to mosquitoes and, while it doesn't block the malaria parasite transmission, it can drastically reduce mosquito populations capable of spreading the disease."
"This drug is a game-changer in vector control, as it is toxic to mosquitoes without harming humans and has shown efficacy against insecticide-resistant species."
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