Isolation and molecular characterization of Gram positive entomopathogenic bacteria against the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae in Uganda

The challenges of the cardinal vector control approaches have left a dire urgency for supplementary interventions. The study screened and isolated entomopathogenic bacteria from tree hole soil debris. Gram positive endospore forming bacteria were selected for, using the pasteurization technique against Anopheles gambiae (target species) and potent isolates were identified with molecular techniques using the 16s rRNA region. From a total of 616 samples examined, only 4.69% (21/448) were potent. Six of these were concurrently evaluated against Aedes (test) and Anopheles (target) species and were all equally potent by 24 hrs, however, Anopheles gambiae species were more susceptible within 3hrs (p-value = 0.006˂ 0.05 = α). Identification revealed 100% homology with Bacillus group. In this study two isolates that typed as Bacillus anthracis str. Shikan-NIID have not been known to have entomopathogenic activity.Propositions for further studies to evaluate reproducibility under field conditions, efficacy and safety studies are underway.