PermaNet® 3.0 - Working Principle

Observations on mosquito behaviour^1,2 have shown that the majority of mosquitoes land on the roof of the net first, before making their way down the sides of the net.

The roof of PermaNet^® 3.0 contains a synergist (PBO) and a higher dose of deltamethrin. When a mosquito lands on the roof, it contacts both deltamethrin and the synergist.

This combination results in higher efficacy of the net even against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors due to the following reasons:

• The synergist increases the rate of penetration of the insecticide into the insect³.
• ŸThe synergist inhibits the metabolic enzymes the mosquito uses to sequester or break down the insecticide⁴.

The sides of the net are made from polyester, which is softer and more comfortable for the user than coarse polyethylene

References

1. Guillet, P. et al (2001) Combined pyrethroid and carbamate 'two-in-one' treated mosquito nets: field efficacy against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus. Med Vet Ent 15(1): 105-12.

2. McCall, P. et al (unpublished data, personal communication).

3. Gunning, R.V. et al (1997) Esterases and fenvalerate resistance in a field population of Helicoverpapunctigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Australia. Pest Biochem Physiol 58: 155-162.

4. Moores, G. et al (2005) Use of 'temporal synergism' to overcome insecticide resistance. Outlooks on Pest Management 16(1): 7-9.