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Do bednets reduce malaria transmission by exophagic mosquitoes?
J Derek Charlwood1, João Alcântara, João Pinto
1DBL Institute for Health, Research and Development, Jaergersborg Allé 1-D, Charlottenlund, DK 2920, Denmark.
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|September 1, 2005
Summary
Increased bednet use significantly reduced malaria prevalence in São Tomé, even among non-users, indicating a community-wide protective effect against malaria parasites.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in tropical regions.
- Bednets are a primary tool for malaria prevention, but their community-level impact requires further study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of increasing bednet coverage on malaria prevalence.
- To investigate potential community-wide effects of bednet use on malaria transmission.
Main Methods:
- Passive case detection was employed over a three-year period (1997-1999).
- Microscopic examination of blood slides was used to detect malaria parasites.
- Malaria parasite species and prevalence were recorded.
Main Results:
- Bednet use rose from 20% to 74% during the study period.
- Overall malaria prevalence decreased, with a notable reduction in 1-4 year olds.
- A decrease in malaria prevalence was observed even in non-net users, suggesting a mass effect.
Conclusions:
- High bednet coverage can lead to a substantial reduction in malaria prevalence.
- A community-level 'mass effect' of bednet use on malaria transmission is likely, even with exophagic vectors.
- Interventions promoting widespread bednet use are crucial for malaria control.