Efficacy of Lambda-Cyhalothrin Treated Blinds (LTBs) on the Control of Malaria Infection Among Off–Campus Students of Kwara State University Malete-Nigeria

Aims: The study was conducted between October 2012 and May, 2013 with the aim of determining the effect of Lambda-cyhalothrin treated blinds on control of malaria infection. 400 blood samples were collected from 106 households.

Study Design: It is an experimental study involving both intervention and control groups.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Malete community in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, North central part of Nigeria between October 2012 and May 2013.

Methods: The study was divided into three phases namely: Pre-intervention, intervention and post intervention. In pre-intervention, 200 blood samples were taken and stained using Giemsa techniques to determine the baseline malaria infection. At intervention stage, windows and doors blinds were treated with lambda-cyhalothrin and in post–intervention another 200 blood samples were taken after treatment and were stained using Giemsa techniques.

Results: On the overall pre-intervention of malaria parasite was 12.5% and after intervention it reduced to 8.0%. Out of entire infection rate, 2.5% was documented among students residing in the western location, 4.5% in the central area while 5.5% was recorded in the eastern part of the study area. Similarly students within the age bracket 18-22 years recorded the highest rate (14.5%) of asymptomatic malaria infection followed by those within 23-27 years and >27 years with 12.4% and 8.6% rates respectively. Statistically, there was no significant difference in the distribution of malaria infection in the study area with respect to age (X2=1.743, P=0.08).Statistical analysis by Chi-square showed a significant difference in frequency of malaria infection among asymptomatic male and female subjects (X2=5.743, P=0.04). Statistical analysis by student T-test showed no significant difference in the prevalence of malaria infection before and after intervention (t=0.3310, P=0.07).

Conclusion: Lambda-cyhalothrin used in this trial study shows a promising future against malaria vector, most of the blinds treated were made of cotton material because it was the common material among the inhabitants sampled. Further studies are therefore suggested to investigate the effect of other clothing materials such as nylon and polyester on malaria infection after treatment with the same chemical.