Trends in Parasitology
Volume 31, Issue 8, August 2015, Pages 380-390
Journal home page for Trends in Parasitology

Review
Evidence-based vector control? Improving the quality of vector control trials

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2015.04.015Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Vector control tools can be used to reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases.

  • Well-conducted vector control field trials are essential to inform policy making.

  • However, the evidence base is limited due to poor conduct of vector control studies.

  • We critically assess the state of vector control trials and outline major failings.

  • We provide guidance for more rigorous design and conduct of vector control studies.

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.

Keywords

vector-borne disease
vector control
Phase III trials
research design/standards

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