Abstract
Abstract Background Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have played an important role in reducing the global malaria burden since 2000. They are a core prevention tool used widely by people at risk of malaria. The Vector Control Prequalification mechanism of the Word Health Organization (WHO-Vector Control PQ) established the testing and evaluation guidelines for LLINs before registration for public use. In the present study, two new brands of deltamethrin-impregnated nets (Yahe ® LN and Panda ® Net 2.0) were evaluated in an experimental hut against wild pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae s.l. in M’Bé nearby Bouaké, central Côte d’Ivoire. Methods The performance of Yahe ® LN and Panda ® Net 2.0 was compared with that of PermaNet 2.0, conventionally treated nets (CTN), and untreated net to assess the blood-feeding inhibition, deterrence, induced exophily, and mortality. Results Cone bioassay results showed that Panda ® Net 2.0, PermaNet 2.0 and Yahe ® LN (both unwashed and washed 20 times) induced > 95% knockdown or > 80% mortality of the susceptible Anopheles gambiae Kisumu strain. With the pyrethroid-resistant M’Bé strain, mortality rate for all treated nets did not exceed 70%. There was a significant reduction in entry and blood feeding ( p < 0.05) and an increase in exophily and mortality rates ( p < 0.05) with all treatments compared to untreated nets, except the CTNs. However, the personal protection induced by these treated nets decreased significantly after 20 washes. The performance of Panda ® Net 2.0 was equal to PermaNet ® 2.0 in terms of inhibiting blood feeding, but better than PermaNet ® 2.0 in terms of mortality. Conclusion This study showed that Yahe ® LN and Panda ® Net 2.0 met the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) criteria to undergo phase III trial at the community level. Due to an increasing spread and development of pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors, control of malaria transmission must evolve into an integrated vector management relying on a large variety of efficient control tools. Graphical Abstract