Mosquito Behavior Change After Distribution of Bednets Results in Decreased Protection Against Malaria Exposure

Overview

Journal J Infect Dis

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2016 Dec 24

PMID 28007921

Citations 68

Authors

Edward K Thomsen

Gussy Koimbu

Justin Pulford

Sharon Jamea-Maiasa

Yangta Ura

John B Keven

Peter M Siba

Ivo Mueller

Manuel W Hetzel

Lisa J Reimer

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Behavioral resilience in mosquitoes poses a significant challenge to mosquito control. Although behavior changes in anopheline vectors have been reported over the last decade, there are no empirical data to suggest they compromise the efficacy of vector control in reducing malaria transmission.

Methods: In this study, we quantified human exposure to both bites and infective bites of a major malaria vector in Papua New Guinea over the course of 4 years surrounding nationwide bednet distribution. We also quantified malaria infection prevalence in the human population during the same time period.

Results: We observed a shift in mosquito biting to earlier hours of the evening, before individuals are indoors and protected by bednets, followed by a return to preintervention biting rates. As a result, net users and non-net users experienced higher levels of transmission than before the intervention. The personal protection provided by a bednet decreased over the study period and was lowest in the adult population, who may be an important reservoir for transmission. Malaria prevalence decreased in only 1 of 3 study villages after the distribution.

Discussion: This study highlights the necessity of validating and deploying vector control measures targeting outdoor exposure to control and eliminate malaria.

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