Operational Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets On Human-Vector Contact In An African Urban Malaria Context

Background. Malaria is still a major public health concern in Cote d'Ivoire despite mass distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) as a key preventive strategy. This study intended to evaluate the operational effectiveness of LLINs on the level of human-vector contact using 1 antibody-based biomarker of exposure to Anopheles in urban areas.Methods. This cross-sectional study collected socio-demographic data and use of LLINs from 9 neighborhoods in the city of Bouake (Cote d'Ivoire). Dry blood spots performed in children aged >6 months and adults were used to evaluate immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to the Anopheles gSG6-P1 salivary peptide.Results. IgG response levels to the salivary peptide were significantly lower in individuals who declared having "always" (n=270) slept under an LLIN compared with those who had "often" (n=2087) and "never" (n=88) slept under an LLIN (P<.0001). IgG response levels to gSG6-P1 between those who declared having "always" and "not always" slept under an LLIN varied according to neighborhood, socio-professional category, and age group.Conclusions. The human IgG level to this gSG6-P1 salivary peptide could be a useful tool to evaluate the actual effectiveness of LLINs and help design behavioral change interventions that are crucial for sustaining universal coverage.