Physical integrity and bioefficacy of used long-lasting insecticidal nets in Makenene, Centre Region of Cameroon.

Long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) are the recommended tools against mosquito-borne diseases. However, their physical integrity and bioefficacy in the field could be affected by several factors. This study evaluated the physical integrity and bioefficacy of nets used in Makenene since 2016. Cross-sectional field surveys were carried out after 6 y. A questionnaire was first administered to the heads of households, and then the physical integrity of the LLINs was determined by calculating the proportional hole index (pHI). WHO cone bioassays were conducted to determine the bioefficacy of LLINs currently being used against wild strains of Anopheles gambiae s.l., Culex pipiens s.l., and laboratory-reared pyrethroid-susceptible strain of Anopheles coluzzii (Ngousso). Of the 167 LLINs examined in households, 39.5% were fairly good, 26.4% were acceptable, and 34.1% were damaged. The most torn faces of the nets were the sides used for entering and exiting. None of the 30 LLINs used for WHO cone bioassays was still effective against An. gambiae s.l. and Cx. pipiens s.l. while up to 85.7% of these LLINs were at least effective against the susceptible strain after 24 h, with a significant difference observed when comparing the mortality rates between wild and laboratory-susceptible strain of Anopheles (P-value < 0.01). Anopheles gambiae s.l. were all (100%) identified as An. gambiae s.s. by PCR. The LLINs distributed in Makenene since the 2016 campaign are only effective on susceptible strain and should be replaced for a better control of residual malaria transmission and the nuisance by Culex mosquitoes in the locality.

High prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Makenene, a locality in the forest-savannah transition zone, Centre Region of Cameroon.

Malaria transmission and prevalence is still not well documented across Cameroon particularly in medium-sized cities or localities representing high transit zone. Different risk factors could be associated with persistence malaria transmission such as population movement from high to low transmission settings. A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out to determine malaria prevalence and risk factors in Makenene, a small city in a forest-savannah which is a crossroads between different parts of the country where travellers usually stop-over day and night to rest. Using malaria diagnostic test (mRDTs from SD-BIOLINE) and microscopy (thin and thick blood smears), 406 participants from 237 households were tested for malaria infection. The prevalence of malaria was high irrespective of the detection method: mRDT (41.87%) or microscopy (38.42%). At household level, 46.41% of households had at least one case of malaria with an average of 1.41 infected individuals per household. Parasite density was also high with the majority of infected individuals (64.74%) bearing more than 500 parasites/µl. Only Plasmodium falciparum was found. The chances of being infected with malaria parasites was almost the same for all participants irrespective of the sleeping behavior, bednet usage, house type and environmental factors. The study supports high malaria transmission in the locality and the need for additional studies on vectors bionomics and transmission patterns.

Population knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria prevention in the locality of Makenene, Centre-Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: To contribute to the mission of the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) and guide future interventions in Cameroon in general, and in Makenene in particular, this study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the population of Makenene towards the fight against malaria. METHODS: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, a descriptive cross-sectional household community survey was carried out in randomly selected households in Makenene, a locality situated between forest and savannah ecotypes. RESULTS: Out of the 413 households surveyed, all (100%) claimed to have heard of malaria with over 94% (n = 391) associating disease transmission with mosquito bites. The main mosquito control tools used in the area were mosquito nets (92.25%). The majority of participants had good knowledge (55.93%; n = 231), good practices (71.67%, n = 296) but moderate attitudes (47.94%; n = 198) towards malaria control and fight. Good knowledge and practices were recorded mostly in educated persons including public servants and students. Good attitudes were adopted mostly by public servants and students of secondary and higher levels of education. CONCLUSION: In Makenene, the population exhibits good knowledge and practices towards malaria and its control. However, despite high LLINs ownership and use, people still complain about malaria in the area. Control tools should be monitored, repaired or replaced when necessary to support the achievement of the NMCP mission.