Validation of a remote sensing model to identify Simulium damnosum s.l. breeding sites in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recently, most onchocerciasis control programs have begun to focus on elimination. Developing an effective elimination strategy relies upon accurately mapping the extent of endemic foci. In areas of Africa that suffer from a lack of infrastructure and/or political instability, developing such accurate maps has been difficult. Onchocerciasis foci are localized near breeding sites for the black fly vectors of the infection. The goal of this study was to conduct ground validation studies to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a remote sensing model developed to predict S. damnosum s.l. breeding sites.

Methodology/principal findings

Remote sensing images from Togo were analyzed to identify areas containing signature characteristics of S. damnosum s.l. breeding

SUBMITTER: Jacob BG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3723572 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature