Malaria vector transmission dynamics in Bandiagara, a potential site for vaccine candidate trial in Mali

Abstract

Experience from other parts of the world suggested that dropping malaria infection to zero might be possible only with the help of a vaccine. In this dynamic, the National Institutes of Health of USA decided to explore the possibility of implementing a trial of malaria vaccine candidate in Bandiagara (Mali). The study aimed to characterizing vector composition, seasonal variations, human and host contact, infection rate and the entomological inoculation rate (EIR) variations before vaccine trial implementation. An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus were found to be the main malaria vectors in the area. Transmission was dynamic and seasonal, but very intense during the rainy season. The peak of EIR occurred at the end of the rainy season and was different between strata. The intensity and seasonality of malaria transmission in the area could justify the suitability of the site for a potential malaria vaccine trial.