Malaria vector research and control in Haiti: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Haiti has a set a target of eliminating malaria by 2020. However, information on malaria vector research in Haiti is not well known. This paper presents results from a systematic review of the literature on malaria vector research, bionomics and control in Haiti.

Methods: A systematic search of literature published in French, Spanish and English languages was conducted in 2015 using Pubmed (MEDLINE), Google Scholar, EMBASE, JSTOR WHOLIS and Web of Science databases as well other grey literature sources such as USAID, and PAHO. The following search terms were used: malaria, Haiti, Anopheles, and vector control.

Results: A total of 132 references were identified with 40 high quality references deemed relevant and included in this review. Six references dealt with mosquito distribution, seven with larval mosquito ecology, 16 with adult mosquito ecology, three with entomological indicators of malaria transmission, eight with insecticide resistance, one with sero-epidemiology and 16 with vector control. In the last 15 years (2000-2015), there have only been four published papers and three-scientific meeting abstracts on entomology for malaria in Haiti. Overall, the general literature on malaria vector research in Haiti is limited and dated.

Discussion: Entomological information generated from past studies in Haiti will contribute to the development of strategies to achieve malaria elimination on Hispaniola. However it is of paramount importance that malaria vector research in Haiti is updated to inform decision-making for vector control strategies in support of malaria elimination.

Keywords: Anopheles; Haiti; Malaria; Vector control.

Fig. 1

Maps of Haiti with malaria and entomological data. Points have been georeferenced and digitized from publication maps using current departmental base map of Haiti—points represent localities. a Distribution of school spleen enlargement rates and Anopheles larval sites in the Republic of Haiti. b–f Distribution of Anopheles albimanus, A. grabhamii, A. crucians, A. vestitipennis, and A. pseudopunctipennis, respectively. a Reproduced with permission from rights holder, the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene [12]. b–f Reproduced from SNEM entomology records—1979–1984 [16]

Fig. 2

Map showing sites where known mosquito behaviour studies have occurred historically

Fig. 3

Anopheles species and abundance from animal-baited and human-baited traps in Dajabón, Dominican Republic in 1988. Number in table below are mosquito density per trap-nights for the burro, calf, human and pig are 5, 8, 10 and 7 nights, respectively. Reproduced with permission from rights holder, American Mosquito Control Association [30]