Field evaluation of Icon Life, a long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) against Anopheles culicifacies and transmission of malaria in District Gautam Budh Nagar (Uttar Pradesh), India

Background & objectives: In the present study, Icon Life net, a long-lasting polyethylene net, 100 denier andbursting strength of minimum 280 kpa incorporated with deltamethrin @ 65 mg/m2 was evaluated for its efficacyin reducing the density of malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies and impact on malaria prevalence in a malariaendemic area of District Gautam Budh Nagar, India.Methods: Wash resistance of Icon Life LLIN was determined up to 20 serial washings using An. culicifacies incone bioassays under field conditions. Efficacy of Icon Life LLIN was determined in the field in three sets ofvillages in District Gautam Budh Nagar (Uttar Pradesh), India, selected randomly for the intervention withIcon Life LLIN, untreated nets and a control without any intervention for the period of August 2008–July 2009.Entomological and malariometric indices in all the three villages were compared during pre- and post-interventionperiods for one year against An. culicifacies. A survey was also conducted in the village provided with Icon LifeLLIN to assessing the perception of community regarding acceptance of these nets by the community.Results: In cone bioassays on Icon Life LLIN with An. culicifacies, >95% knockdown within 1 h and 100%mortality after 24 h exposure were reported even after 20× serial washings under field conditions. Results ofthe field study revealed reduced entry rate, resting density and parity rate of An. culicifacies in the village withIcon Life LLIN when compared to no net and untreated net villages. Number of malaria cases reported wereless in the Icon Life LLIN used villages when compared to other two villages. The community compliance andacceptance was high and no adverse health events were reported by the households using these nets.Conclusions: Icon Life LLIN is an effective intervention for the control of An. culicifacies transmitted malariain India. Long-term studies are indicated for the duration of effectiveness and to ascertain the epidemiologicalimpact of the use of Icon Life nets.