Changes in Anopheles funestus Biting Behavior Following Universal Coverage of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Benin

Background. Behavioral modification of malaria vectors in response to vector control methods is of great concern. We investigated whether full coverage of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs) may induce a switch in biting behavior in Anopheles funestus, a major malaria vector in Af...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of infectious diseases 2012-11, Vol.206 (10), p.1622-1629
Main Authors: Moiroux, Nicolas, Gomez, Marinely B., Pennetier, Cédric, Elanga, Emmanuel, Djènontin, Armel, Chandre, Fabrice, Djègbé, Innocent, Guis, Hélène, Corbel, Vincent
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Anopheles - physiology
Behavior, Animal - drug effects
Benin
Bioassay
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Assay
Bites and stings
Directional control
Disease transmission
Ecology, environment
Entomology
Feeding Behavior - drug effects
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genetic vectors
Human health and pathology
Humans
Infectious diseases
Insect Bites and Stings - prevention & control
Insect Vectors - physiology
Insecticide Resistance
Insecticide-Treated Bednets - utilization
Insecticides
Insecticides - pharmacology
Life Sciences
Malaria
Malaria - transmission
Medical sciences
Microbiology
Mosquito Control - methods
Mosquitos
Nitriles - pharmacology
PARASITES
Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins - pharmacology
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Summary:Background. Behavioral modification of malaria vectors in response to vector control methods is of great concern. We investigated whether full coverage of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs) may induce a switch in biting behavior in Anopheles funestus, a major malaria vector in Africa. Methods. Human-landing collections were conducted indoor and outdoor in 2 villages (Lokohoué and Tokoli) in Benin before and 1 year and 3 years after implementation of universal LLIN coverage. Proportion of outdoor biting and median catching times (MCT) were compared. The resistance of A. funestus to deltamethrin was monitored using bioassays. Results. MCT of A. funestus switched from 2 AM in Lokohoué and 3 AM in Tokoli to 5 AM after 3 years (Mann-Whitney U test, P < .0001). In Tokoli, increased from 45% to 68.1% (odds ratio = 2.55; 95 confidence interval = 1.72-3.78; P < .0001) 1 year after the universal coverage, whereas POB was unchanged in Lokohoué. In Lokohoué, however, the proportion of A. funestus that bites after 6 AM was 26%. Bioassays showed no resistance to deltamethrin. Conclusions. This study provides evidence for a switch in malaria vectors' biting behavior after the implementation of LLIN at universal coverage. These findings might have direct consequences for malaria control in Africa and highlighted the need for alternative strategies for better targeting malaria vectors.
ISSN:0022-1899
1537-6613
DOI:10.1093/infdis/jis565