Bacillus thuringiensis: Advances and perspectives in the biological control of Aedes aegypti

Bacillus thuringiensis is an attractive alternative for the control of Aedes aegypti for its clear advantages over chemical insecticides, high specificity, safety on the environment and slow development of resistance. New trends in formulations using encapsulating agents such as starch, or adsorption to clay particles that help protect the products of Bt factors affecting their activity, such as UV radiation, temperature and microbial degradation, enhance the persistence of the product, which can act as phage-type stimulants. However, it is necessary to evaluate these proposals in the context of the control of Ae. aegypti, especially in relation to the human manipulation of breeding sites and nutritional status of the larva. Bt also offers the possibility of obtaining products that enable a variety of alternate applications, and possibly products, if necessary, to suit the specific needs of each region.