High spatial resolution mapping of malaria transmission risk in the Gambia, west Africa, using LANDSAT TM satellite imagery.
Understanding local variability in malaria transmission risk is critically important when designing intervention or vaccine trials. Using a combination of field data, satellite image analysis, and GIS modeling, we developed a high-resolution map of malaria entomological inoculation rates (EIR) in The Gambia, West Africa. The analyses are based on the variation in exposure to malaria parasites experienced in 48 villages in 1996 and 21 villages in 1997. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) varied from 0 to 166 infective bites per person per rainy season. Detailed field surveys identified the major Anopheles gambiae s.l. breeding habitats. These habitats were mapped by classification of a LANDSAT TM satellite image with an overall accuracy of 85%. Village EIRs decreased as a power function based on the breeding areas size and proximity. We use this relationship and the breeding habitats to map the variation in EIR over the entire 2500-km(2) study area.
Bøgh
Claus
C
DBL-Institute for Health Research and Development, Charlottenlund, Denmark. cbogh@cbn.net.id
Lindsay
Steven W
SW
Clarke
Siân E
SE
Dean
Andy
A
Jawara
Musa
M
Pinder
Margaret
M
Thomas
Christopher J
CJ
D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D001947:Breeding; D017753:Ecosystem; D005260:Female; D005714:Gambia; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D008288:Malaria / Q000635:transmission*; D008297:Male; D011156:Population Density; D012307:Risk Factors; D017215:Satellite Communications; D012621:Seasons