Abstract
BackgroundVarious methods have been studied as replacement of human landing catches (HLC) for mosquito sampling in entomological studies on malaria transmission. Conflicting results have been obtained in comparing relative efficiency of alternative methods, according to the area, the species present and their density. The aim of this study was to compare the number and characteristics of mosquitoes sampled in two areas of Senegal by three different methods: HLC, light traps adjacent to an occupied bed net (LT/N), pyrethrum spray catches (PSC).MethodsCollections were performed in two villages: Dielmo (Soudan savanna) and Bandafassi (Soudan Guinean savanna), two or three nights per month for a 4-5 months period during the maximal transmission season in 2001-2002. Species were identified and Plasmodium infection determined by ELISA. The specific composition, circumsporozoite protein rate and entomological inoculation rate were calculated.ResultsThe diversity of mosquito species captured was maximal with LT/N, minimal with PSC. The mean number of anopheles captures each night was significantly different according to the method used and the species. PSC displayed a significantly lower anopheles density. HLC was the most efficient sampling method when Anopheles gambiae was the main vector (in Bandafassi); LT/N when it was Anopheles funestus (in Dielmo). A significant correlation was found between HLC and LT/M but correlation parameters were different according to the species. Circumsporozoite protein rates were not significantly different between methods or species. The entomological inoculation rate varied along with vector density and thus with methods and species.ConclusionsThe choice of sampling method influenced entomological data recorded. Therefore, the sampling technique has to be chosen according to the vector studied and the aim of the study. Only HLC must be considered as the reference method, but in some conditions LT/N can be used as an alternative method.
Highlights
Various methods have been studied as replacement of human landing catches (HLC) for mosquito sampling in entomological studies on malaria transmission
The aim of this study was to evaluate relative efficacy of three collection methods: Light traps associated with a person sleeping under a net (LT/N), pyrethrum spray catches (PSC) and Human Landing Catches (HLC)
439 specimens belonging to two different species were collected by PSC
Summary
Various methods have been studied as replacement of human landing catches (HLC) for mosquito sampling in entomological studies on malaria transmission. The aim of this study was to compare the number and characteristics of mosquitoes sampled in two areas of Senegal by three different methods: HLC, light traps adjacent to an occupied bed net (LT/N), pyrethrum spray catches (PSC). In order to measure malaria transmission, a good knowledge about its vectors is required. To achieve this goal, entomological studies with Anopheles collection are essential [1]. It allows sampling mosquitoes that are aggressive against human, either endophagous or exophagous It is the most reliable measure of human-vector contact for evaluating malaria transmission. Several alternative sampling methods have been developed: use of various traps, light traps (CDC miniature light trap)
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