Topographic mapping of the interfaces between human and aquatic mosquito habitats to enable barrier targeting of interventions against malaria vectors

Bibliographic Details
Title: Topographic mapping of the interfaces between human and aquatic mosquito habitats to enable barrier targeting of interventions against malaria vectors
Authors: Victoria M. Mwakalinga, Benn K. D. Sartorius, Alex J. Limwagu, Yeromin P. Mlacha, Daniel F. Msellemu, Prosper P. Chaki, Nicodem J. Govella, Maureen Coetzee, Stefan Dongus, Gerry F. Killeen
Source: Royal Society Open Science, Vol 5, Iss 5 (2018)
Publisher Information: The Royal Society, 2018.
Publication Year: 2018
Collection: LCC:Science
Subject Terms: geophysical topography, spatial modelling, plasmodium falciparum, malaria, anopheles gambiae, barrier-targeted interventions, Science
More Details: Geophysical topographic metrics of local water accumulation potential are freely available and have long been known as high-resolution predictors of where aquatic habitats for immature Anopheles mosquitoes are most abundant, resulting in elevated densities of adult malaria vectors and human infection burden. Using existing entomological and epidemiological survey data, here we illustrate how topography can also be used to map out the interfaces between wet, unoccupied valleys and dry, densely populated uplands, where malaria vector densities and infection risk are focally exacerbated. These topographically identifiable geophysical boundaries experience disproportionately high vector densities and malaria transmission risk, because this is where Anopheles mosquitoes first encounter humans when they search for blood after emerging or ovipositing in the valleys. Geophysical topographic indicators accounted for 67% of variance for vector density but for only 43% for infection prevalence, so they could enable very selective targeting of interventions against the former but not the latter (targeting ratios of 5.7 versus 1.5 to 1, respectively). So, in addition to being useful for targeting larval source management to wet valleys, geophysical topographic indicators may also be used to selectively target adult Anopheles mosquitoes with insecticidal residual sprays, fencing, vapour emanators or space sprays to barrier areas along their fringes.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2054-5703
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2054-5703
DOI: 10.1098/rsos.161055
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/d96da153c86141ea97c71a6ec265db6f
Accession Number: edsdoj.96da153c86141ea97c71a6ec265db6f
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:20545703
DOI:10.1098/rsos.161055
Published in:Royal Society Open Science
Language:English