Novel sampling methods for monitoring from Eritrea.

Background: Studies comparing novel collection methods for host seeking and resting mosquitoes were undertaken in a village in Eritrea. Techniques included an odor baited trap, a novel tent-trap, human landing collection and three methods of resting collection. A technique for the collection of mosquitoes exiting vegetation is also described.

'We like it wet': a comparison between dissection techniques for the assessment of parity in and determination of sac stage in mosquitoes alive or dead on collection.

Background: The determination of parous rates in mosquitoes, despite numerous shortcomings, remains a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of control programs and to determine vectorial capacity in malaria vectors. Two dissection techniques are used for this. For one, the tracheoles of dried ovaries are examined with a compound microscope and in the other the follicular stalk of ovaries is examined, wet, with a stereomicroscope.

The Furvela tent-trap Mk 1.1 for the collection of outdoor biting mosquitoes.

Outdoor transmission of malaria and other vector borne diseases remains a problem. The WHO has recently recognized the need for suitable methods for assessing vector density outdoors and a number of tent-traps have been developed. Only one such trap, the Furvela tent-trap, does not require an 'entry' behavior on the part of the mosquito.

'Repel all biters': an enhanced collection of endophilic Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis in CDC light-traps, from the Kagera Region of Tanzania, in the presence of a combination mosquito net impregnated with piperonyl butoxide and permethrin.

Background: Mosquito nets containing synergists designed to overcome metabolic resistance mechanisms in vectors have been developed. These may enhance excitability in the mosquitoes and affect how they respond to CDC light-traps. Investigating the behaviour of vectors of disease in relation to novel mosquito nets is, therefore, essential for the design of sampling and surveillance systems.