HPLC used in malaria net study

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been used in a study investigating the efficiency of mosquito nets.

In an enquiry, published in the Parasites & Vectors journal, a team of scientists tested one of the five World Health Organization (WHO) approved long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).

LLINs aim to protect communities in sub-Sahara Africa, however a number of factors within the community can reduce their durability and effectiveness.

This study investigated the durability, efficacy and retention of PermaNet(R) 2.0 after five years of use in a Tanzanian community against mosquitoes from an insectary susceptible colony and wild mosquito populations, alongside a new PermaNet(R) 2.0.

Insecticide content in both was determined through HPLC.

Knockdown effects were recorded in the mosquitoes after three minutes of exposure, while mortality was seen after 24 hours.

"The results of this study suggest that, in order to achieve maximum protection against malaria, public health education focusing on bed net use and maintenance should be incorporated into the mass distribution of nets in communities," the report claimed.