Insecticide Resistance and Malaria Control in Mozambique
Author Information
Author(s): Abilio Ana P, Kleinschmidt Immo, Rehman Andrea M, Cuamba Nelson, Ramdeen Varsha, Mthembu David S, Coetzer Sarel, Maharaj Rajendra, Wilding Craig S, Steven Andrew, Coleman Marlize, Hemingway Janet, Coleman Michael
Primary Institution: National Institute of Health, Mozambique
Hypothesis
The study investigates the emergence of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and its impact on malaria control efforts in central Mozambique.
Conclusion
The DDT-based indoor residual spraying program effectively reduced malaria transmission, but the emergence of pyrethroid resistance poses a significant threat to ongoing control efforts.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum in children fell from 60% to 32% between 2006 and 2008.
- Resistance to pyrethroids was detected in An. funestus in 2010.
- The sporozoite rate in An. gambiae s.s. decreased from 4% to 1% after four rounds of spraying.
Takeaway
The study shows that spraying insecticides can help reduce malaria, but if the mosquitoes become resistant to the spray, it won't work as well.
Methodology
Mosquitoes were captured using window exit traps, identified, and tested for insecticide resistance and sporozoite rates, while household surveys monitored malaria prevalence.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in resistance testing due to non-standardized conditions before the establishment of an insectary.
Limitations
The study faced challenges in mosquito collection for resistance testing due to reduced populations post-intervention.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 1 to 15 years were surveyed for malaria prevalence.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
40.62-63.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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