Abstract
Standard entomological methods for evaluating the impact of vector control lack sensitivity in low-malaria-risk areas. The detection of human IgG specific to Anopheles gSG6-P1 salivary antigen reflects a direct measure of human–vector contact. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a range of vector control measures (VCMs) in urban settings by using this biomarker approach. The study was conducted from October to December 2008 on 2,774 residents of 45 districts of urban Dakar. IgG responses to gSG6-P1 and the use of malaria VCMs highly varied between districts. At the district level, specific IgG levels significantly increased with age and decreased with season and with VCM use. The use of insecticide-treated nets, by drastically reducing specific IgG levels, was by far the most efficient VCM regardless of age, season or exposure level to mosquito bites. The use of spray bombs was also associated with a significant reduction of specific IgG levels, whereas the use of mosquito coils or electric fans/air conditioning did not show a significant effect. Human IgG response to gSG6-P1 as biomarker of vector exposure represents a reliable alternative for accurately assessing the effectiveness of malaria VCM in low-malaria-risk areas. This biomarker tool could be especially relevant for malaria control monitoring and surveillance programmes in low-exposure/low-transmission settings.
Highlights
Urbanization in Africa is increasing at such a rate that it is estimated that 54% of African residents will live in urban areas by 2030 [1]
Use of Malaria Vector Control Measures To protect themselves against mosquito bites and malaria disease, 90.01% (2,497/2,774) of the people interviewed declared they frequently used malaria vector control measures (VCMs) during the 15–30 days preceding the study
The present study focused on the application of the specific Anopheles gSG6-P1 salivary peptide as a biomarker in the evaluation of the effectiveness of a range of malaria VCMs in urban low-endemic malaria settings
Summary
Urbanization in Africa is increasing at such a rate that it is estimated that 54% of African residents will live in urban areas by 2030 [1]. Urban development was generally believed to reduce breeding sites of Anopheles, and thereby the risk of malaria transmission. Several factors linked to a rapid and uncontrolled population and/or household growth can have major implications for the disease transmission patterns in cities of subSaharan Africa [2,3]. Anopheles vectors can be well adapted to urban settings [4]. Even if globally they have low exposure to Anopheles bites [5], people living in cities could be at high risk of malarial morbidity and mortality because of their delayed acquisition or lack of protective immunity [3]. The prevalence of malaria in cities is significant and urban malaria has been considered as an emerging public health problem in Africa [6]
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