Reduced efficacy of insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying for malaria control in pyrethroid resistance area, Benin

Emerg Infect Dis. 2007 Feb;13(2):199-206. doi: 10.3201/eid1302.060631.

Abstract

The pyrethroid knockdown resistance gene (kdr) has become widespread in Anopheles gambiae in West Africa. A trial to test the continuing efficacy of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) was undertaken in experimental huts at 2 sites in Benin, the first where kdr is present at high frequency (Ladji), the second-where An. gambiae is susceptible (Malanville). Holes were made in the nets to mimic worn nets. At Malanville, 96% of susceptible An. gambiae were inhibited from blood-feeding, whereas at Ladji feeding was uninhibited by ITNs. The mortality rate of An. gambiae in ITN huts was 98% in Malanville but only 30% at Ladji. The efficacy of IRS was equally compromised. Mosquitoes at Ladji had higher oxidase and esterase activity than in a laboratory-susceptible strain, but this fact did not seem to contribute to resistance. Pyrethroid resistance in An. gambiae appears to threaten the future of ITN and IRS in Benin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anopheles / drug effects
  • Bedding and Linens*
  • Benin / epidemiology
  • Culex / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Insecticide Resistance*
  • Insecticides / pharmacology
  • Malaria / prevention & control*
  • Mosquito Control / methods*
  • Nitriles / pharmacology*
  • Pyrethrins / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Nitriles
  • Pyrethrins
  • cyhalothrin