Comparison of the CDC Backpack aspirator and the Prokopack aspirator for sampling indoor- and outdoor-resting mosquitoes in southern Tanzania
2011

Comparing Mosquito Sampling Methods in Tanzania

Sample size: 48 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Maia Marta F, Robinson Ailie, John Alex, Mgando Joseph, Simfukwe Emmanuel, Moore Sarah J

Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Hypothesis

Is the Prokopack aspirator as effective as the CDC Backpack aspirator for collecting mosquitoes?

Conclusion

The Prokopack aspirator is more user-friendly and provides comparable results to the CDC Backpack aspirator for mosquito sampling.

Supporting Evidence

  • The Prokopack was preferred by technicians for its lighter weight and ease of use.
  • Both aspirators collected similar numbers of mosquitoes in various settings.
  • The Prokopack can be self-assembled with locally available materials.

Takeaway

Researchers tested two types of mosquito collectors and found that a new, lighter one called the Prokopack works just as well as the heavier, more expensive one.

Methodology

Mosquitoes were sampled indoors and outdoors from 48 households using both aspirators in a randomized design.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the reliance on individual collector skill and motivation.

Limitations

The study was a short comparative evaluation and further longitudinal studies are needed.

Participant Demographics

Participants were from 48 rural households in southern Tanzania.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.735

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-3305-4-124

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