Molecular characterization of Anopheles gambiae complex in communities affected by flood in Anambra East L.G.A, Southeastern Nigeria

Irikannu K. C. — 2024-04-21

Malaria is a serious public health disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. This study was conducted between 2020 and 2023 to determine the molecular characterization of Anopheles gambiae complex in Anambra East L.GA. The specific objectives were to identify the sibling species of An. gambiae complex, determine their indoor resting density, man-biting rate, physiological states, and the distribution of the S (Savannah) and M (Mopti) molecular forms within the An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s). in the area. Indoor biting and resting mosquitoes were collected using pyrethroid-based insecticide knock down (PKD). Indoor density and man biting rates were calculated using standard formulas. The sibling species were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An. gambiae s.s M and S forms were identified through Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 893 An. gambiae complex mosquitoes were collected. The indoor density of An. gambiae complex was calculated as 0.661 mosquitoes/room/night while man biting rate was 0.154 bite/man/night. Of the 893 An. gambiae complex collected indoors, 186 (20.83%) were unfed, 417 (46.70%) freshly fed, 212 (23.74%) half gravid while 78 (8.73%) were gravid. Of a total of 300 An. gambiae complex randomly selected and subjected to PCR, 278 (92.67%) were identified as An. gambiae s.s. while 22 (7.33%) were unidentified. All the An. gambiae s.s were identified as S forms. A total of 142 (51.10%) were from Aguleri while 136 (48.92%) were from Umuoba Anam. The finding of this study shows that An. gambiae s.s was the major malaria vector in the area. Integrated vector management targeted toward the vector species is recommended.

Perceptions and socio-economic burden of Lymphatic filariasis in Fakai local government area of Kebbi state, Nigeria

Ukatu V E — 2024-01-16

Background: Nigeria is the second most endemic country in the world for Lymphatic filariasis, after India. Control efforts have been ongoing since the year 2010 but is often ha1mpered by poor community awareness and compliance to Mass Drug Administration.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions and socio-economic burden of Lymphatic filariasis in Fakai LGA of Kebbi State, Nigeria, in order to develop disease control and intervention strategies.
Methods: A standardized questionnaire was adapted and a scale of measurement was developed. The methodology was quantitative and the study design was cross-sectional. A sample of 423 respondents was selected which include affected and unaffected members of the communities.
Findings: Knowledge about the cause, mode of transmission and preventive measure was very poor. Majority, comprising 68.9% of affected and 39.3% unaffected respondents attributed the cause to witchcraft. None believed it is caused by mosquito bite. On the other hand, they demonstrated relatively high awareness of the socio-economic implications of the disease as majority (56.0%) believed the disease decreases income of sufferers.
Conclusions: They are at high risk of LF. There is need for knowledge-based awareness for effective management of the disease.

Innovative Research in Biotechnology

Molecular characterization of Anopheles gambiae complex in communities affected by flood in Anambra East L.G.A, Southeastern Nigeria

Perceptions and socio-economic burden of Lymphatic filariasis in Fakai local government area of Kebbi state, Nigeria