Insecticide Quantification Kits (IQK) for Vector Control Programmes in India

DDT is used extensively for indoor residual spraying (IRS) in India, while Bendiocarb is a default insecticide in the event of resistance. However, there is no easy way to measure the effectiveness of their use.

When used correctly, IRS of insecticides impacts significantly on transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and malaria. IRS is only effective if houses are comprehensively sprayed and treatment is repeated before insecticide levels fall below the biologically active threshold concentration i.e. 80% insects killed in bioassay.

Good quality assurance and Science 8 monitoring is therefore critical for successful IRS programmes. HPLC and bioassays are currently the only available methods for measuring whether sufficient insecticide or the correct formulations to kill sandflies, have been sprayed on a surface. Both are expensive, require highly skilled staff, and have high data turnaround times which significantly impacts on quality control and monitoring processes.

The DDT and Bendiocarb quantification kits that we intend to develop and validate for use in monitoring IRS for leishmaniasis control will enable rapid and reliable visual quantification of insecticide at point of contact with minimal training and at a low cost (<$4/ assay). The DDT and Bendiocarb tests are enzyme based assay. Laboratory prototypes have been developed but not optimised in the context of field operations. To facilitate delivery and commercial development further refinement and validation under field conditions is needed.

Enabling Technologies & Assays
Vector Control

May 2012 — Oct 2015

$1.92M

Asia, Southern
India