Biological control of human disease vectors: a perspective on challenges and opportunities

Chemical insecticides are the mainstay of contemporary control of human disease vectors. However, the spread of insecticide resistance and the emergence of new disease threats are creating an urgent need for alternative tools. This perspective paper explores whether biological control might be able to make a greater contribution to vector control in the future, and highlights some of the challenges in taking a technology from initial concept through to operational use. The aim is to stimulate a dialogue within biocontrol and vector control communities, in order to make sure that biological control tools can realize their full potential.