Testing a method of sampling for entomological determination of transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti to inform lymphatic filariasis treatment strategy in urban settings

Summary

We evaluated three mosquito sampling methodologies with a view to informing standardised guidelines for entomologically informed lymphatic filariasis (LF) treatment decisions. Based on effectiveness, cost and feasibility, we suggest a focus on exit traps to catch Anopheles mosquitoes and propose some trapping event guidelines to reach sample size in similar Culex dominated context.

We found that community researchers enabled high acceptability of traps and could be easily trained to successfully set and empty mosquito traps. We recommend future work defines treatment implementation unit and makes it analogous with mosquito collection unit and further work in required regarding trap site distribution for application of transmission findings to a larger area.