Quantifying behavioural interactions between humans and mosquitoes: Evaluating the protective efficacy of insecticidal nets against malaria transmission in rural Tanzania

Abstract

Background: African malaria vectors bite predominantly indoors at night so sleeping under an Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) can greatly reduce malaria risk. Behavioural adaptation by mosquitoes to increasing ITN coverage could allow vector mosquitoes to bite outside of peak sleeping hours and undermine efficacy of this key malaria prevention measure.

Comparative Evaluation of Methods Used for Sampling Malaria Vectors in the Kilombero Valley, South Eastern Tanzania

“…and An. funestus vectors [26]. As such, the feeding and resting behavior of mosquitoes appear not to be the true limiting determinant of the Mbita trap performance.…”

“…Moreover in this setting though the CDC-LT catches only 33% as many An. gambiae as the HLC, this is amply sufficient for evaluations of malaria transmission intensity at the vector densities established in Kilombero Valley [26,28].…”

“…funestus Giles. The two groups are also the primary vectors of malaria in the study area [26,27]. We preferentially paid attention to the comparative evaluations of the different sampling methods; as opposed to the host seeking preferences of species within the An.…”

Integrated malaria vector control with microbial larvicides and insecticide-treated nets in western Kenya: a controlled trial

“…ITNs have not only saved thousands of lives; they have also restored confidence in vector control in Africa. However, adult-based methods are limited in what they can achieve 43,44 because adult mosquitoes feed outside houses and before sleeping hours. 23,43 Larval source management targeting both indoor and outdoor biting vector populations should therefore contribute to greater reductions in transmission than ITNs alone.…”

“…However, adult-based methods are limited in what they can achieve 43,44 because adult mosquitoes feed outside houses and before sleeping hours. 23,43 Larval source management targeting both indoor and outdoor biting vector populations should therefore contribute to greater reductions in transmission than ITNs alone. Truly integrated and well-managed malaria control efforts have led to major successes in the past, including the eradication of A. gambiae from Brazil 45 and Egypt, 46 the eradication of malaria in the United States, Europe and the Middle East 47,48 and the control of malaria in Zambia.…”