Journal of Vector Borne Diseases (Mar 2003)
Bio-efficacy and operational feasibility of alphacypermethrin (Fendona) impregnated mosquito nets to control rural malaria in northern India
Abstract
Bio-efficacy and operational feasibility of alphacypermethrin treated nets was evaluated in certainvillages of District Ghaziabad (U.P.). Results revealed that poly-filament nylon nets treated with alphacypermethrinsuspension concentrate (g/l) formulation @ 25 mg/m2 has shown repellent action(26.5 ± 8.1), excito repellent action (93.7 ± 8.1) and killing action (100%) against An. culicifacieslanded on treated nets. Significant reduction in indoor resting density of An. culicifacies in humandwellings was also observed in treated nets village (p < 0.05). Instant killing action of treated netsdid provide complete protection to inhabitants sleeping inside the net from An. culicifacies bites.The persistent use of nets by the inhabitants has also resulted significant reduction in malaria cases(p < 0.05). It was interesting to note that not even a single case of falciparum malaria was observedafter distribution of treated nets in spite of the fact that at no point of time cent per centcompliance of net usage was observed during the study period. Bio-assay tests revealed that treatednets can produce up to 70% mortality in An. culicifacies for about 22 weeks and as such onlyone treatment with insecticide is required in a year in seasonal transmission area to protect frommalaria. The study also revealed that treated nets can be stored at room temperature for about 10months without loosing their efficacy suggesting thereby that malaria outbreaks can be tackled bythe nets if adequate treated nets are stored in core problem districts. It was also revealed that An.culicifacies is a late night biter and as such treated nets can be used successfully against this species.
