Vector Control: Challenge recognition and disease amelioration

Background: Vector control is vital in the prevention and reduction of pathogen transmission and is increasingly recognized as a keystone of several vector-borne (VBD) neglected tropical diseases (NTD) elimination programs.Objectives: The main aim of this study was to find gaps in vector control interventions and address current research in this field.Materials and Methods: Several search engines including Scopus, ISI web of knowledge, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane review databases were scanned to look for articles on vector control measures and VBDs. Diseases such as leishmaniasis, malaria, pediculosis, Zika, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) were specifically searched for.Results: It is found that very few vector control interventions have a cogent evidence-based outcome for their public health impact, and those that do are insecticide-based and threatened by resistance. The mainstream of new interventions and new insecticides is being rapidly exhausted and several are under randomized controlled trials. If these are later to be implemented sustainably, interventions will need to be introduced with a credible resistance management plan. In the case of head lice infestation, for instance, the increasing failure of permethrin-based treatments has given rise to the use of physically-acting compounds, like lotions or gels of dimeticone.Conclusions: A major challenge will be to generate the evidence base and financial support to acquire this sustainable combination at the national level. Unless this is done, the selection pressure for resistance rapidly reduces our potential to control insect vectors in the near future

کلیدواژه ها:

Vector-borne disease ، control ، insecticide ، IRS.