Efficacy of long lasting insecticidal nets compromised by insecticide resistance

Abstract

Malaria control is heavily reliant on the use of insecticides given that the two most common control tools, long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) and indoor residual sprays are both insecticide based. Of these, the LLINs have only one class of insecticides approved for use in net treatment, the pyrethroids. Insecticide resistance especially to pyrethroids, has emerged and now spread to many parts of sub-Saharan Africa where LLIN and IRS are central to malaria vector control and consequently threatens these vital programs. In a study conducted in western Kenya in an area with high levels of pyrethroid resistance, live Anopheles mosquitoes were routinely observed resting inside nets. Pyrethroid resistance has been spreading rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa and has been documented in 23 countries. This may partly be in response to agricultural application and run-off of …