A combined experimental-computational approach for spatial protection assesment of control release devices against mosquitoes (Anopheles)

Authors: Bernier, Ulrich; Kline, Daniel - Dan; VAZQUEZ, AGUSTIN - Institute Technology Of Buenos Aires (ITBA); PERRY, MELYNDA - Natick Soldier Center; Cohnstaedt, Lee; GURMAN, PABLO - Gearjump Technologies, Llc; D'HERS, SEBASTIAN - Institute Technology Of Buenos Aires (ITBA); ELMAN, NOEL - Gearjump Technologies, Llc

Submitted to: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2019
Publication Date: 3/11/2019
Citation: Bernier, U.R., Kline, D.L., Vazquez, A.A., Perry, M., Cohnstaedt, L.W., Gurman, P., D'Hers, S., Elman, N. 2019. A combined experimental-computational approach for spatial protection assesment of control release devices against mosquitoes (Anopheles). PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 13(3):e0007188. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0007188.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0007188

Interpretive Summary: Mosquito-borne diseases represent a global public health threat. More than one million people die annually due to vector-borne diseases. Malaria alone is responsible for 400,000 deaths a year and mainly affecting children under 5 years old. This work describes the development of a novel device for controlled release of spatial repellents using integration of in silico models with entomological studies. Controlled Release Devices (CRDs) were prepared with different concentrations of metofluthrin and tested against An. quadrimaculatus mosquitoes using arm-in cage, semi-field, and outdoor methods.

Technical Abstract: This work describes the development of a novel device for controlled release of spatial repellents using integration of in silico models combined with entomological studies. Controlled Release Devices (CRDs) were tested with different concentrations of metofluthrin and tested against An. quadrimaculatus mosquitoes using arm-in cage, semi-field, and outdoor studies. Arm-in-cage trials showed 40-50 % knockdown and 70-80 % bite inhibition, and semi-field and outdoors studies showed 60-80 % mosquito mortality. Numerical simulations based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were performed in order to obtain spatial concentration profiles for 24 hour and 48 hour periods. Experimental results were correlated with simulation results based on in order to obtain a functional model that linked mosquito mortality with the estimated spatial concentration for a given period of time. Such correlation provides a powerful insight in predicting the effectiveness of the CRDs as a vector-control tool. While CRDs represent an alternative to current spatial repellent delivery methods, such as coils, candles, electric repellents, and passive emanators based on impregnated strips, the presented method can be applied to any spatial vector control treatment by correlating entomological endpoints, i.e. mortality, with in-silico simulations to predict overall efficacy. The presented work therefore presents a new methodology for improving design, development and deployment of vector-control tools to reduce transmission of vector-borne diseases, including malaria and dengue.