Reducing mosquito-borne disease transmission to humans: A systematic review of cluster randomised controlled studies that assess interventions other than non-targeted insecticide

Abstract

Background Mosquito control interventions are widely used to reduce mosquito-borne diseases. It is unclear what combination of interventions are most effective in reducing human disease. A novel intervention study for Buruli ulcer targeting mosquito vectors was proposed for a Buruli ulcer-endemic area of Victoria, Australia. The local community expressed a preference for avoiding widespread residual spraying of pyrethroids. To inform the design of a future cluster randomised control study (cRCT) for Buruli ulcer prevention in Victoria, we conducted a systematic literature review. Aims The aim was to describe cRCT designs which investigated interventions other than non-targeted insecticide for reducing mosquito-borne disease transmission, and comment on the strengths and weaknesses of these study designs. Methods Five medical research databases were searched for eligible literature from the earliest available sources up to 5 July 2019 (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, EBM Reviews, CAB Direct). Reference lists of identified studies were hand searched. Eligible studies were cRCTs using targeted chemical or biological mosquito control interventions, or mosquito breeding source reduction, with the occurrence of mosquito-borne disease as an outcome. Results Eight eligible cRCTs, conducted between 1994–2013 were identified in a variety of settings in the Americas and Asia. Interventions to reduce dengue transmission were mass adult trapping and source reduction. Interventions to reduce malaria transmission were largescale larvicide administration and (topical and spatial) repellent use. Three studies showed the intervention was associated with statistically significant reductions in the disease of interest and entomological indicators. High community engagement with the intervention were common to all three. In two studies, large buffer zones reduced contamination between study arms. Heterogeneity was reduced through increasing study cluster numbers, cluster matching and randomisation. Conclusion High community engagement is vital for a cRCT reducing mosquito-borne disease with a mosquito control intervention. These findings support a mosquito breeding source reduction intervention for Aedes control in a future study of Buruli ulcer prevention if local communities are supportive and very engaged. Regular administration of larvicide to sites unsuited to source reduction may supplement the intervention.

Buruli ulcer surveillance in south-eastern Australian possums: infection status, lesion mapping and internal distribution ofMycobacterium ulcerans

“…Reducing populations of Ae. notoscriptus is possible via combinations of chemical- and community-based mosquito control methods, however sustained delivery over the entire Victorian endemic area would be labour- and resource-intensive, and success may be hampered by acceptability and uptake of interventions by affected communities[70]. Possum-based interventions would have the dual benefits of improving animal health and welfare, and protecting public health.…”

A systematic review of rodent control as part of infectious disease control programs

“…This contrasts with other zoonotic control subjects such as sand flies (Barata et al 2011, Dinesh et al 2017, and ticks (Brei et al 2009, Schulze et al 2017), for which there are studies that also assess effects on the target population size although through indirect measures (parasite burden on captured hosts). Mosquito control has been subject of a recent systematic review (Oliver et al 2021) also identifying a small number of studies evaluating control programs (N= 8).…”

Mosquito Diversity In Livestock Cages

“…The purpose of fumigating the cowshed is so that there are not many flies and mosquitoes, because at the time after it rains there are lots of mosquitoes, this fumigation is done every afternoon until the evening how to repel mosquitoes from the cowshed. In addition, the community plays a role in controlling mosquito-borne diseases [29]. The use of mosquito nets is recommended to reduce mosquito bites in humans [30].…”