Investigator(s)
| WHO Technical Officer |
Vector Borne Disease Research and Training Centre World Health Organization, Country Office for Nepal Vector Borne Disease Research and Training Centre 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Mr. Keshav Raj Pandit Vector Borne Disease Research & Training Centre, Hetauda Sub Metropolitan City, ward no. 10, Makwanpur Mr. Keshav Raj Pandit
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Mr. Kumar Prasad Pokharel Vector Borne Disease Research & Training Centre, Hetauda Sub Metropolitan City, ward no. 10, Makwanpur Mr. Kumar Prasad Pokharel
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Dr. Surendra . Uranw B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan Dr. Surendra . Uranw
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
M.Lalita . Roy B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan M.Lalita . Roy
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Mr. Rajaram Pote Shrestha WHO Country Office Nepal Mr. Rajaram Pote Shrestha
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Entomological survey of major vector-borne diseases in geo-ecological and climatic variances in Province 1 of Nepal |
| Public title | Entomological survey of major vector-borne diseases in geo-ecological and climatic variances in Province 1 of Nepal |
| Background | Nepal is highly vulnerable to global climate change, urbanization and its influence on health. Malaria, Lymphatic Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis, Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar), Dengue and Scrub typhus are the major important Vector-borne Diseases (VBDs) in Nepal (EDCD 2020). One of the current challenges in control of these vector-borne diseases in Nepal is their emergence/ expansion in new areas and in a higher altitude. Diseases like malaria, visceral leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis is targeted for elimination while JE, dengue and chikungunya are projected for control and cessation to spread in Nepal. Surveillance of disease and its vectors is a key to control VBDs along with other disease and vector control interventions. There are sparse information and knowledge gaps on vectors of the major vector-borne diseases at different climatic zones which will be an important for baseline information and planning for vector control strategies. The proposed study aims to document the vector abundances, distribution, and its association with different geo-ecological and climatic variances. |
| Objectives | The main objective of this research study is to explore the vectors of major vector-borne diseases in different geo-ecological and climatic variances in selected districts of Province 1. The specific objectives are: • To document the vector abundances of major VBDs and its distribution in different geo-ecological and climatic zones • To assess the relationship between vector abundances and geo-ecological and climatic factors • To assess the spatial relationship between vector abundances and VBDs |
| Study Methods | The survey will be conducted in different altitudinal transects and climatic zones in Nepal. Selection of vector survey sites will be primarily based on the event-based i.e., around an index case of VBDs. The line list of the major VBDs will be obtained from surveillance data of Epidemiology & Disease Control Division, Teku to select the survey clusters. survey in selected districts of Province No. 1 only (Sankhuwasabha, Khotang, Udayapur, Morang and Sunsari districts). Selection of study sites and exact location of sampling sites can be selected based using the following criteria: • Identified gaps in the knowledge of the distribution of the vector species • The geographical area to be prospected is identified based on the following factors: - There are no field data or existing data are incomplete and/or outdated - Data collection through passive surveillance is impossible A total of two clusters will be identified in each district based on the reported cases of either Malaria or Kala-azar or Lymphatic filariasis or Japanese Encephalitis or Dengue. In general, 10% of the households of the total households in the village will be approached and enrolled in the study. In each district, minimum 24 households will be randomly selected for vector collection; a minimum of 120 households will be targeted for the data collection from five districts. In each of these households, one CDC light trap will set up for two consecutive nights as per WHO guidelines. Vectors will be captured in and around the purposively selected households of index cases. Vectors will be captured in-door/cattle sheds in and nearby the households using the Centre for Disease Control Miniature Light Traps and Mouth Aspiration Method. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The following deliverables are expected at the end of the study: • Baseline data on the presence, abundance, types of vectors and its distribution • Entomological indicators suggestive of local transmission of the VBDs • Association between vector presence/abundances and geo-ecological & climatic factors • Spatial association between vector abundances and VBDs |
| Keywords | Vector, Malaria |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Jul-2022 |
| End Date | 31-Dec-2022 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Mr. Rajaram Pote Shrestha |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Nepal | |
| Research Domain(s) | Communicable Disease Research |
| Research field(s) | Infectious Disease |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Population-Based Survey | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | Under Review |