In the lush landscapes of Tanzania's Kilombero Valley, a groundbreaking study suggests a new strategy to combat malaria, a disease that has plagued Africa for centuries. Scientists at the Ifakara Health Institute have found that integrating mosquito-proof houses, improved insecticide-treated nets, and better management of livestock could significantly reduce and potentially eliminate residual malaria transmission.

The study, recently published on PLOS One, focused on three villages - Ebuyu, Chirombora, and Mzelezi - where insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are widely used. Despite the high coverage of these nets, malaria hasn't vanished.

Why? The research team, led by Alex Limwagu, discovered that the mosquitoes responsible for malaria, particularly anopheles funestus and anopheles arabiensis, are adapting to human environments in surprising ways.

Inside the mosquito's world

Using advanced mosquito traps in 222 households, researchers collected and studied these tiny but dangerous insects. They found that funestus is the dominant species, thriving inside homes and carrying higher rates of the malaria parasite compared to arabiensis.

Both species, however, have shown they can be quite cunning. They don't just feed on humans; they also bite livestock, showing they can switch hosts based on availability. This adaptability makes controlling them with just nets challenging.

House design matters

The study revealed some fascinating insights about how house construction can influence mosquito behavior:

Roofs: Fewer An. funestus mosquitoes were found in homes with metal roofs compared to those with grass roofs. The metal heats up more, making it less hospitable for mosquitoes.

Eaves: Houses with screened eaves had fewer An. arabiensis, suggesting that blocking off entry points can reduce mosquito numbers.

A multi-pronged approach

The conclusion from this study is clear: to fight malaria effectively, we need to look beyond nets. Here's what could make a difference:

Mosquito-proof houses: Designing homes with features like screened windows and eaves can prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.

Enhanced bed nets: New types of insecticides or treatments for bed nets might be needed to combat the mosquitoes' resistance.

Livestock management: By managing where and how livestock are kept, mosquitoes might be drawn away from human dwellings, reducing human bites.

This research offers a beacon of hope, showing that with the right strategies, we can make significant strides towards eradicating malaria in Africa. It's not just about fighting mosquitoes but about smartly adapting our living environments to outsmart them.

As we learn more from studies like this, published in respected journals like PLOS One, the dream of a malaria-free Africa becomes more tangible every day.

More about authors

This study was conducted by a team of scientists from Ifakara Health Institute, with Alex Limwagu as the lead author. Fredros Okumu, Billy Ngasala, and Issa N. Lyimo made equal contributions as the last authors. Additional contributors include Betwel Msugupakulya, Halfan Ngowo, Yohana Mwalugelo, Masoud Kilalangongono, Faraji Samli, and Said Abbasi.

Read the publication, here.