A review on test methods for insecticidal fabrics and the need for standardisation

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology
• Public Health
• Textile Science

Background:

• Insecticidal fabrics provide personal protection against disease vectors, complementing bed nets by offering daytime and outdoor protection.
• Growing concerns over dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus, transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes, necessitate effective interventions.
• These fabrics also protect against other arthropods like ticks, mites, and lice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current methods for testing the bioefficacy, washing durability, and permethrin quantification of insecticidal fabrics.
• To discuss the prospects and challenges for long-lasting insecticidal fabrics in combating day-biting mosquito-borne diseases.
• To emphasize the need for standardized testing and regulatory procedures for insecticidal fabrics.

Main Methods:

• Compilation and review of existing methodologies for assessing insecticidal fabric performance.
• Analysis of differences between insecticidal fabrics and long-lasting insecticidal nets.
• Description of a proposed test procedure for insecticidal fabrics.

Main Results:

• Currently, no international guidelines exist for testing insecticidal fabric efficacy.
• Commercial insecticidal fabrics treated with permethrin are available but lack standardized efficacy and safety protocols.
• A need for separate registration and licensing procedures for insecticidal fabrics is identified.

Conclusions:

• Standardization of test methods is crucial for ensuring the bioefficacy and user safety of insecticidal fabrics.
• Insecticidal fabrics represent a promising tool against day-biting mosquito-borne diseases, requiring dedicated regulatory frameworks.
• A proposed test procedure can serve as an interim guideline until international standards are established.