Comparative study of kala-azar vector control measures in eastern Nepal

This study was conducted to explore the most effective vector control tool among indoor residual spraying (IRS), long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and ecological vector management (EVM) as a part of the regional visceral leishmaniasis elimination initiative. Alpha-cypermethrin as IRS, PermaNet® as LLINs and plastering the inner walls of houses with lime as EVM were the interventions. One baseline and three follow-up entomological surveys were carried out in all arms using CDC miniature light traps (LT) and mouth aspirators. Comparisons were made between intervention arms and control arms with pre-intervention and post-intervention vector densities. Light traps were found more efficient in the collection of Phlebotomus argentipes in comparison with aspiration. Vector densities were significantly low in both IRS arm (p = 0.009 in LT and p < 0.001 in aspirator collections) and LLIN arm (p = 0.019 in LT and p = 0.023 in aspirator collections) in comparison with control arm. However, in EVM arm, there was no significant difference in P. argentipes sand fly density in comparison with control arm (p = 0.785) in LT collections in follow-up surveys. Hence, IRS was found most effective control measure to decrease vector density. LLINs were also found effective and can be considered as a promising alternative vector control tool in VL elimination initiative.