Topical repellents for malaria prevention

Abstract

Background Insecticide‐based interventions, such as long‐lasting insecticide‐treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), remain the backbone of malaria vector control. These interventions target mosquitoes that prefer to feed and rest indoors, but have limited capacity to prevent transmission that occurs outdoors or outside regular sleeping hours. In low‐endemicity areas, malaria elimination will require that these control gaps are addressed, and complementary tools are found. The use of topical repellents may be particularly useful for populations who may not benefit from programmatic malaria control measures, such as refugees, the military, or forest goers. This Cochrane Review aims to measure the effectiveness of topical repellents to prevent malaria infection among high‐ and non‐high‐risk populations living in malaria‐endemic regions. Objectives To assess the effect of topical repellents alone or in combination with other background interventions (long‐lasting insecticide‐treated nets, or indoor residual spraying, or both) for reducing the incidence of malaria in high‐ and non‐high‐risk populations living in endemic areas. Search methods We searched the following databases up to 11 January 2023: the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialised Register; CENTRAL (in the Cochrane Library); MEDLINE; Embase; CAB Abstracts; and LILACS. We also searched trial registration platforms and conference proceedings; and contacted organizations and companies for ongoing and unpublished trials. Selection criteria We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster‐randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) of topical repellents proven to repel mosquitoes. We also included non‐randomized studies that complied with pre‐specified inclusion criteria: controlled before‐after studies (CBA), controlled interrupted time series (ITS), and controlled cross‐over trials. Data collection and analysis Four review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, and extracted the data. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias (RoB) using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. A fifth review author resolved any disagreements. We analysed data by conducting a meta‐analysis, stratified by whether studies included populations considered to be at high‐risk of developing malaria infection (for example, refugees, forest goers, or deployed military troops). We combined results from cRCTs with RCTs by adjusting for clustering and presented results using forest plots. We used the GRADE framework to assess the certainty of the evidence. We only included data on Plasmodium falciparum infections in the meta‐analysis. Main results Thirteen articles relating to eight trials met the inclusion criteria and were qualitatively described. We included six trials in the meta‐analysis (five cRCTs and one RCT). Effect on mala...

Investigating Malaria Susceptibility in Central Maluku District: A Focus on Anopheles Mosquito Habitats

“…The use of mosquito repellents plays a crucial role in efforts to prevent malaria cases. Mosquito repellents, such as insecticides, have a direct effect on Anopheles mosquitoes that act as malaria vectors (Figueira et al, 2023;Ignell & Hill, 2020;Mapossa et al, 2021). Insecticides can be applied to various surfaces, such as mosquito nets, clothing, and house walls, to kill or repel mosquitoes that could potentially carry Plasmodium parasites (Havyarimana et al, 2023;Okyere, 2021).…”