title: A cluster-randomized trial of insecticide-treated curtains for dengue vector control in Thailand.
abstract: The efficacy of insecticide-treated window curtains (ITCs) for dengue vector control was evaluated in Thailand in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. A total of 2,037 houses in 26 clusters was randomized to receive the intervention or act as control (no treatment). Entomological surveys measured Aedes infestations (Breteau index, house index, container index, and pupae per person index) and oviposition indices (mean numbers of eggs laid in oviposition traps) immediately before and after intervention, and at 3-month intervals over 12 months. There were no consistent statistically significant differences in entomological indices between intervention and control clusters, although oviposition indices were lower (P < 0.01) in ITC clusters during the wet season. It is possible that the open housing structures in the study reduced the likelihood of mosquitoes making contact with ITCs. ITCs deployed in a region where this house design is common may be unsuitable for dengue vector control.
authors.affiliation: Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK. ajl8@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Audrey
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lenhart
authors.forename: Yuwadee
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Trongtokit
authors.forename: Neal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.forename: Chamnarn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Apiwathnasorn
authors.forename: Wichai
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Satimai
authors.forename: Veerle
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vanlerberghe
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van der Stuyft
authors.forename: Philip J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: McCall
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001512:Bedding and Linens / Q000821:virology*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003715:Dengue / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000821:virology*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000379:methods*; D010058:Oviposition; D011679:Pupa / Q000821:virology; D012621:Seasons; D013785:Thailand
chemical_list: D007306:Insecticides