title: Evidence-based vector control? Improving the quality of vector control trials.
abstract: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis cause a high level of morbidity and mortality. Although vector control tools can play a major role in controlling and eliminating these diseases, in many cases the evidence base for assessing the efficacy of vector control interventions is limited or not available. Studies assessing the efficacy of vector control interventions are often poorly conducted, which limits the return on investment of research funding. Here we outline the principal design features of Phase III vector control field studies, highlight major failings and strengths of published studies, and provide guidance on improving the design and conduct of vector control studies. We hope that this critical assessment will increase the impetus for more carefully considered and rigorous design of vector control studies.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
authors.forename: Anne L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp 2000, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marleen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boelaert
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
authors.forename: Immo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kleinschmidt
authors.affiliation: School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK; Medical Research Council Unit, PO Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pinder
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology and Nematology, University Of California, Davis, CA, USA; Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
authors.forename: Lucy S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Tusting
authors.affiliation: School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. Electronic address: s.w.lindsay@durham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Steve W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Lindsay
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004199:Disease Vectors; D006801:Humans; D010571:Pest Control / Q000592:standards*; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Phase III trials; research design/standards; vector control; vector-borne disease