Locally produced anti-dengue bacteria enters market
July 14, 2010 11:48 pm
The locally grown bacteria to fight dengue spreading mosquitoes will be introduced to the market by end of July, ITI Senior Research Officer Dr. Sadhika Samarasekara told the media.
The bacteria named Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) it to fight the outbreak of the mosquito-borne dengue fever which has already caused 140 deaths so far this year.
According to Dr. Samarasekara this species of bacteria can also be used to destroy mosquitoes spreading malaria, filaria and Japanese encephalitis.
The locally produced BTI bacteria will be released to the Sri Lankan market as 100 ml and 200 ml spray bottles from this month, said the Industrial Technology Institute. Bio Power Lanka is to produce the bacteria under license for five years.
