Integrated malaria vector control with microbial larvicides and insecticide-treated nets in the western Kenya: a controlled trial

Fillinger, U.; Ndenga, B.; Githeko, A.; Lindsay, S.W.

Abstract

Objective To assess the contributions of both microbial larvicides and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in terms of reducing malaria incidence in an integrated vector management programme in an area moderately endemic for malaria in the western Kenyan highlands. Methods A pre-post, control group design was used. Larval and adult vector populations were surveyed weekly in six separate valley communities. The incidence of Plasmodium infections in children 6 months to 13 years of age was measured during the long and short rainy seasons each year. Baseline data were collected for 17 months, after which Bacillus-based larvicides were applied weekly to aquatic habitats in three of the valleys for another 19 months. At around the same time the larviciding was initiated, ITNs were introduced gradually into all study communities by the National Malaria Control Programme. The effect of larviciding, ITNs and other determinants of malaria risk was assessed by means of generalized estimating equations. Findings The risk of acquiring new parasite infections in children was substantially and independently reduced by ITN use (odds ratio, OR: 0.69; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.48–0.99) and larvicide application (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.23–0.82), after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion Vector control with microbial larvicides enhanced the malaria control achieved with ITNs alone. Anti-larval measures are a promising complement to ITN distribution in the economically important highland areas and similar transmission settings in Africa.

Citation

Fillinger, U., Ndenga, B., Githeko, A., & Lindsay, S. (2009). Integrated malaria vector control with microbial larvicides and insecticide-treated nets in the western Kenya: a controlled trial. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 87, 655-665. https://doi.org/10.2471/blt.08.055632

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 25, 2008
• Publication Date: 2009-07
• Deposit Date: Apr 27, 2012
• Journal: Bulletin of the World Health Organization
• Print ISSN: 0042-9686
• Electronic ISSN: 1564-0604
• Publisher: World Health Organization
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 87
• Pages: 655-665
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2471/blt.08.055632
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1506798