A simple field test for detecting pyrethroids on impregnated nets.
We tested a modified Beilstein method for detecting pyrethroids on bednets under laboratory conditions using an emulsifiable concentrate of permethrin (50 EC) for viability as a simple standardized field test and to judge its reliability for detecting different insecticide doses. At the recommended doses of permethrin (0.5 g/m2), sensitivity was near 100%, even when small pieces of fabric were tested and time of extraction was limited. In unwashed nets sensitivity stayed high (80-95%) down to 0.1 g active ingredient/m2. In untreated nets false positives were rare (0-2%). The test could become a valuable tool in vector control programmes: it is cheap, easy to learn and to perform. The Lot Quality Assurance Sampling method, using an upper and lower performance threshold, could be applied for monitoring the impregnation campaigns.
Verlé
P
P
Institute for Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
Ruyen
N T
NT
Huong
N T
NT
Be
N T
NT
Kongs
A
A
Van der Stuyft
P
P
Coosemans
M
M
D007306:Insecticides / Q000032:analysis*; D009032:Mosquito Control; D026023:Permethrin; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000032:analysis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D007306:Insecticides; D011722:Pyrethrins; D026023:Permethrin