EFFECTS OF DELTAMETHRIN TREATED UNIFORM ON MALARIA PROPHYLAXIS IN TROOPS OF BAHAWALPUR GARRISON

Malaria Prophylaxis

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of deltamethrin treated uniforms on repellant action against mosquitos in
serving soldiers.
Study Design: Randomized control trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Bahawalpur Garrison, from 18 Aug to 24 Aug 2014.
Patient and Methods: Two groups were selected for the study, one group comprising of 100 x soldiers wearing
deltamethrin treated uniforms and other group comprising 100 x soldiers wearing non-treated (normal working)
uniforms–control group. All soldiers were males, their age ranged from 20 years to 41 year. Uniforms were issued
centrally with no group knowing which group has been issued treated uniforms, (double blind study was carried
out to eliminate subject bias). Coding system was evolved while issuing the uniforms which were only known to
the main researchers, president of the study board. Both the groups were made to sit for one hour in a large
training ground of the formation in two separate groups at a distance of 50-60 feet between the groups and 10-15
feet between the individuals. All the individuals were asked to count the number of mosquitos attracted towards
them, whether sitting/biting on their uniforms or on their bodies. Mosquito counting was also facilitated by the
organizing/conducting staff. The study continued for a week from 18–24 Aug 2014. All soldiers were given 2 x
tabs Chloroquine stat as prophylaxis for malaria prior to the study. Mean and SD of no of bites of both groups
were compared and analyzed. Student t-test was applied to note the statistical significance among the study
groups.
Results: Out of the two groups the individuals wearing deltamethrin treated uniforms showed about overall 90%
protection from mosquitos as compared to the control group. The average number of bites by mosquitoes in the
control group was 7/person in one hour, whereas it was less than one bite/person in the case group.
Conclusion: This study confirmed that the deltamethrin treated uniform is highly effective in having mosquito
repellant action in the field and may be used during operational/training duties in the field so as to better protect
the troops against this health hazard.
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