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PubMed1994

Role of repellents in vector control and disease prevention.

Repellents are an inexpensive and practical means of protection against nuisance and disease vector arthropods in conjunction with or when other control measures are not feasible. Appropriate selection of skin and/or clothing repellents along with proper wear of clothing can provide adequate protection from biting arthropods, and are available in a wide variety of forms including lotions, creams, foams, soaps, aerosols, sticks, and towellettes. A coordinated effort among different research groups associated with advances in the science of insect repellents such as mode of action information, doses of repellents to generate threshold level responses and controlled release delivery mechanisms, may help in understanding the mechanisms by which repellents work. This in turn may revolutionize the development of repellents for personal protection and their use in vector control.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Chemical composition, toxicity and mosquito repellency of Ocimum selloi oil.

Ocimum spp. (Lamiaceae) and their essential oils have been traditionally used to kill or repel insects, and also to flavor foods and oral products, in fragrances, in folk medicine and as condiments. In Brazil, Ocimum selloi has been used to treat stomachaches and as an anti-inflammatory remedy. This study was performed to provide data on the chemical composition, acute toxicity, mutagenicity, skin irritant potential and mosquito repellency of Ocimum selloi oil. GC/MS analysis of Ocimum selloi oil revealed that its major constituents were methyl-chavicol or estragole (55.3%), trans-anethole (34.2%), cis-anethole (3.9%) and caryophyllene (2.1%). Ocimum selloi oil given by gavage to adult Swiss Webster mice produced no adverse effects at doses as high as 1250 mg/kg body weight. Deaths and symptoms (e.g. hypoactivity, ataxia and lethargy) were observed at doses > or =1500 mg/kg body weight, being females apparently more susceptible than males. Genotoxicity of Ocimum selloi oil was evaluated in the Salmonella/microsome assay without and with S9 mixture. The oil, tested up to the toxicity limit (500-700 microg/plate), was not mutagenic to tester strains TA97a, TA98 and TA100. None of 30 volunteers of either sex exposed to undiluted Ocimum selloi oil (4-h patch test) showed a positive skin irritant reaction. A field test (six volunteers, each individual his/her own control) was carried out to evaluate mosquito (Anopheles braziliensis) repellency of Ocimum selloi oil diluted in ethanol (10% v/v). The median number of mosquito bites on volunteers' skin-recorded for 30 min after application of Ocimum selloi oil (2, range 0-3) was much lower than that noted after application of the solvent alone (19.5, 3-25) (Wilcoxon test, P<0.01). In conclusion, results showed that Ocimum selloi oil is an effective mosquito repellent that presents a low acute toxicity, poses no mutagenic risk and seems not to be irritating to human skin.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

Isolation of a deet-insensitive mutant of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

Despite the widespread use of N,N,-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (deet) in insect repellent products, nothing is known about the molecular basis for the repellency of deet, we initiated a molecular genetics program to elucidate the molecular mechanism of deet repellency in Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen). Deet repellency was apparently due to airborne vapors, as wild type flies were repelled by a deet-treated surface in the absence of physical contact and in the dark. A mutant was isolated using chemical mutagenesis and at choice assay. In a choice assay, mutant flies entered 82 +/- 1% of deet-containing tubes, whereas wild type flies entered only 6 +/- 2% of deet-containing tubes. The mutant was repelled by other repellents, benzaldehyde and citronellal. The mutation was recessive and located on the X chromosome.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Failure of an ointment based on IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate) to prevent an outbreak of cercarial dermatitis during swimming races across Lake Annecy, France.

Cercarial dermatitis, a re-emerging disease world-wide, may affect those engaged in water sports. Many of those who swim in the annual cross-lake races at Annecy in France, for example, develop such dermatitis. In an attempt to see whether ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535) would protect swimmers from the dermatitis, the exposed skin on the right side of each of 78 participants in the cross-lake races of 2001 was treated with IR3535-based ointment. When contacted by telephone during the week following the races, 64 (82%) of the subjects reported that they had developed cercarial dermatitis. Subjects with a past history of cercarial dermatitis were more likely to report an attack in 2001 than those who said that they had never had such dermatitis prior to 2001 (P=0.001). The skin lesions were scattered all over the body in 89% of the cases and limited to the left side of the body in 11%. Of the 63 cases who reported time of onset, 32 (51%) had noticed lesions within an hour of the race. The mean duration of clinical manifestations was 4.8 days (range=30 min-18 days). The clinical manifestations were significantly more severe in the subjects aged >16 years than in the younger subjects, although these two age-groups swam in separate races. Thirty-one of the affected subjects attempted to cure their dermatitis, using any of five different treatments. Overall, the results were disappointing, with the IR3535-based ointment, which had initially been developed as an insect repellent, appearing to offer little, if any, protection against cercarial dermatitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

A hospital-based, case-control study of risk factors for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in soldiers of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea.

A hospital-based, case-control study was conducted to measure risk factors for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Korean soldiers. Between October 1989 and January 1992, 196 cases and 295 controls were admitted into the study. Information was collected on behavioral and environmental variables, and the data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. The strongest risk factors were seeing Apodemus in the area (odds ratio [OR] = 4.9), living in a primitive dwelling such as a lean-to (OR = 3.9), and being exposed to dust (OR = 3.7). The most protective factors were living in barracks (OR = 0.3-0.5) and self-reported use of any insecticide or insect repellent (OR = 0.5).

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Mosquitoes and mosquito repellents: a clinician's guide.

This paper is intended to provide the clinician with the detailed and scientific information needed to advise patients who seek safe and effective ways of preventing mosquito bites. For this review, clinical and analytical data were selected from peer-reviewed research studies and review articles, case reports, entomology texts and journals, and government and industry publications. Relevant information was identified through a search of the MEDLINE database, the World Wide Web, the Mosquito-L electronic mailing list, and the Extension Toxicology Network database; selected U.S. Army, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Agriculture publications were also reviewed. N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) is the most effective, and best studied, insect repellent currently on the market. This substance has a remarkable safety profile after 40 years of worldwide use, but toxic reactions can occur (usually when the product is misused). When DEET-based repellents are applied in combination with permethrin-treated clothing, protection against bites of nearly 100% can be achieved. Plant-based repellents are generally less effective than DEET-based products. Ultrasonic devices, outdoor bug "zappers," and bat houses are not effective against mosquitoes. Highly sensitive persons may want to take oral antihistamines to minimize cutaneous reactions to mosquito bites.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Toxicity of 1,4-dihexylpiperazine.

Attempts to synthesize the insect repellent, N,N'-dihexyl-N-carbomethoxyethylenediamine, led to an impurity which exhibited strong toxicity in the rabbit eye irritation test. Isolation of the impurity led to its identification at 1,4-dihexylpiperazine.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Analytical methods for the determination of persistent ingredients of personal care products in environmental matrices.

Concern about the environmental fate and potential effects of synthetic organic chemicals used in soaps, lotions, toothpaste, and other personal care products continues to increase. This review describes procedures used for the analysis of five classes of these compounds-synthetic musk fragrances, antimicrobials, ultraviolet filters, insect repellents, and parabens-in water, sediment, sewage sludge, air, and aquatic biota. The primary focus is on sample extraction and preparation methods for these compounds. Instrumental methods commonly used for these compounds are also discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of extracts and oils of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) repellent plants from Sweden and Guinea-Bissau.

In laboratory tests, ethyl acetate extracts of Hyptis suaveolens Poit. from Guinea-Bissau and Rhododendon tomentosum (Stokes) H. Harmaja (formerly Ledum palustre L.) and Myrica gale L. significantly reduced probing activity of Aedes aegypti (L.). In the field in southern Sweden, extracts of leaves of R. tomentosum, M. gale, and Achillea millefolium L. significantly reduced biting by Aedes mosquitoes. Volatile compounds from M. gale, R. tomentosum, A. millefolium, and H. suaveolens were collected by solid phase microextraction (SPME). Alternatively, compounds in the plants were subjected to extraction by organic solvents of different polarities or by steam distillation and collection by SPME. Compounds collected were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Leaves of H. suaveolens contained mainly beta-caryophyllene, bergamotene, and terpinolene. The volatile fraction of an ethyl acetate extract of H. suaveolens was collected by SPME and included beta-caryophyllene, (-) -sabinene, beta-pinene, limonene, alpha-pinene, and bergamotene. The main volatiles detected were alpha-pinene, alpha-phellandrene, myrcene, and limonene from M. gale leaves or inflorescences; pcymene, sabinene, and terpinyl acetate from leaves of R. tomentosum; and (-)-germacrene D, beta-pinene, sabinene, and alpha-pinene from A. millefolium leaves or inflorescences. The selected plant species contained numerous volatiles known to have insecticidal, acaricidal, "pesticidal," and/ or insect repellent properties.

Acetates↗
PubMed2005

An outbreak of malaria in US Army Rangers returning from Afghanistan.

CONTEXT: With numerous US military personnel currently deployed throughout the world, military and civilian health care professionals may encounter imported malaria from this population. OBJECTIVE: To identify malaria in US Army personnel deployed to a combat zone. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Case series in the US Army health care system. A total of 38 cases of malaria were identified in a 725-man Ranger Task Force that deployed to eastern Afghanistan between June and September 2002. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Identification of malaria cases and soldiers' self-report of compliance with antimalarial measures. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were infected with Plasmodium vivax, yielding an attack rate of 52.4 cases per 1000 soldiers. Diagnosis was confirmed a median of 233 days (range, 1-339 days) after return from the malaria endemic region, with additional laboratory findings noting anemia and thrombocytopenia. One case was complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome during the patient's primary attack and a spontaneous pneumothorax during relapse. This case accounted for 1 of 2 relapse cases in the study population. From an anonymous postdeployment survey of 72% (521/725) of the task force, the self-reported compliance rate was 52% for weekly chemoprophylaxis, 41% for terminal (postdeployment) chemoprophylaxis, 31% for both weekly and terminal chemoprophylaxis, 82% for treating uniforms with permethrin, and 29% for application of insect repellent. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed clinical presentation can occur with P vivax. Symptoms are often vague, but malaria should be included in the differential diagnosis for soldiers returning from an endemic region. Suboptimal compliance with preventive measures can result in a malaria outbreak.

Afghanistan↗
PubMed1998

Evaluation of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) as a topical agent for preventing skin penetration by cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni.

The effect of skin application of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) on the penetration and migration behavior of cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni was evaluated in vitro and in vivo in a mouse model. These studies showed that DEET at concentrations of 7.5% or higher was 100% effective in immobilizing and killing cercariae of S. mansoni in vitro. Ultrastructural studies on such DEET-exposed cercariae showed transformative and degenerative changes involving both tegument and deeper parenchymal structures. Fatal tissue lesions were evident as early as 5 min postexposure to DEET, and became more extensive with increasing exposure time. Cutaneous application of DEET (as a pure chemical in isopropanol or as a commercial insect repellent preparation) was more than 99% effective in preventing entry of S. mansoni cercariae into the mouse tail skin. Radiolabeling and tracer studies confirmed that 7.5% DEET applied to the skin prior to infection was highly effective in preventing schistosomular migration to the lungs.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1999

[A preliminary study of two Chinese herbs protective tablets on some Chinese traditional medicines].

The protective action of 2 tablets of Chinese herb to 5 Chinese traditional medicines against harm of insects and mildews was tested. It was found that 2 tablets have a obvious effects of insect-repellency and mouthproof in the test with Homalomena occulta and Prunus armeniaca, the bore in the medicinal materials was decreased 94.95% and 95.55% respectively than that of check. The tablets have some effects of mildewproof in the test with Tussilago farfara.

Alisma↗
PubMed1995

[Medical problems of Israelis travelling to tropical countries].

Questionnaires were sent to 1500 Israelis who traveled overseas following evaluation and preparation in a travel advisory clinic. Of 517 who responded, 227 were males, and the mean age was 25 years. The most commonly encountered medical problems were insect bites (25%), diarrhea (67%), skin conditions (23%), high altitude problems (19%), tropical diseases (11%) and respiratory tract diseases (12%). Of the 476 who took antimalarial prophylaxis, there were possible side effects in 81 (17%). Insect repellents and water purification were used by 435 and 312 travelers, respectively, and condoms by 103. Young Israelis commonly tour for prolonged periods through Asia, Africa and Latin America, and often acquire a wide spectrum of medical diseases, both infectious and noninfectious. A program of professional consultation and immunization is important in the prevention of travel-related disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Contact urticaria syndrome. Contact urticaria to diethyltoluamide (immediate-type hypersensitivity).

Contact urticaria refers to a wheal-and-flare response occurring on the application of chemicals to intact skin. Standard closed patch tests read at 48 hours after application yield misleading information; observations should be made instead using open patch tests 15 to 30 minutes after application. There are three major subdivisions of the syndrome: nonimmunologic cause (such as application of histamine), immunologic cause (immediate hypersensitivity), and uncertain cause (such as application of ammonium persulfate). Our patient had contact urticaria due to the insect repellent, diethyltoluamide. The experimental data suggest that this case was due to an immunologic response (immediate hypersensitivity) and demarcates the specificity of response. The immunologically mediated cases cover a broad spectrum of manifestations from contact urticaria only to local urticaria plus asthma and, in extreme sensitivity, includes anaphylactoid responses.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Evaluation of plant protectants against pest insects].

An interference index of population control (IIPC) was constructed for investigating the complex effects of plant protectants, including the effects of repelling insect pests away from the plant, deterring the egg laying of adults and the continuation of feeding, and causing death by toxicity. At the same time, indicated by IIPC, the alcohol extracts of some common plants, such as Eucalytus rubusta, Wedelia chinensis etc. and the neem oil gave very good results to protect the plant against Plutella xylostella. The D-C-Tron NR Petroleum Spray Oil (CALTEX) also gave an excellent effect to protect citrus against red mite. All the experiments show the important role of the repellent effect on the pests.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Medical supplies for travelers to developing countries.

BACKGROUND: There has been little research to date on the use of medicines and first aid supplies by travelers. In some developing countries such products may be difficult to obtain, and there is the danger that substandard medicines may be purchased. As space for medical supplies in the luggage of many individuals, particularly backpackers, may be restricted, it is important to identify correctly those items most likely to be needed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to survey a cohort of travelers from the UK visiting a variety of destinations in developing countries, regarding the medical supplies taken and used during their trip. METHOD: Travelers visiting a specialist travel pharmacy in London, UK were recruited consecutively into the study. Only those planning to visit destinations in South America, Asia, Africa or the Middle East for < or = 2 weeks and returning to the UK were included. Participants were handed a questionnaire to be posted back when they returned to the UK, asking them to note those items that they included in the kit, those actually used, and any others obtained while they were away. All subjects had consulted the pharmacist concerning the medical kit appropriate for their trip. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-nine travelers volunteered to take part, of whom 127 returned the postal questionnaire. Analgesics and medication for the treatment of diarrhea were most likely to be used, but many types of wound dressing were unlikely to be required. Twenty individuals (16%) required antibiotics, with eight people purchasing them while they were away. Thirty-two (31%) individuals did not use insect repellents despite traveling to potentially malaria-endemic countries. Only seven subjects purchased any other items while they were away. CONCLUSION: The items most likely to be required by travelers to developing countries are analgesics, treatments for diarrhea, antiseptics and sticking plasters. The provision of antibiotics to certain travelers is probably justified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Self-reported exposure to neurotoxic chemical combinations in the Gulf War. A cross-sectional epidemiologic study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors of factor analysis-derived Gulf War-related syndromes. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 249 Gulf War veterans from the Twenty-fourth Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion. DATA COLLECTION: Participants completed standardized booklets measuring self-reported wartime exposures and present symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Associations of factor analysis-derived syndromes with risk factors for chemical interactions that inhibit butyrylcholinesterase and neuropathy target esterase. RESULTS: Risk of syndrome 1 ("impaired cognition") was greater in veterans who reported wearing flea collars during the war (5 of 20, 25%) than in those who never wore them (7 of 229, 3%; relative risk [RR], 8.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0-24.7; P<.001). Risk of syndrome 2 ("confusion-ataxia") increased with a scale of advanced adverse effects from pyridostigmine bromide (chi2 for trend, P<.001), was greater among veterans who believed they had been involved in chemical weapons exposure (18 of 108, 17%) than in those who did not (3 of 141, 2%; RR, 7.8; 95% CI, 2.3-25.9; P<.001), and was increased in veterans who had been in a sector of far northeastern Saudi Arabia on the fourth day of the air war (6 of 21, 29%) than in those who had not been (15 of 228, 7%; RR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.9-10.0; P=.004). Effects of perceived chemical weapons exposure and advanced adverse effects from pyridostigmine were synergistic (Rothman S, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.04-26.7). Risk of syndrome 3 ("arthro-myo-neuropathy") increased with an index of frequency and amount of government-issued insect repellent containing 75% DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) in ethanol applied during the war (chi2 for trend, P<.001) and with advanced adverse effects from pyridostigmine (chi2 for trend, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Some Gulf War veterans may have delayed, chronic neurotoxic syndromes from wartime exposure to combinations of chemicals that inhibit butyrylcholinesterase and neuropathy target esterase.

Adult↗