Entomological and Parasitological Indices of Malaria Transmission in Minna, Niger State, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The heavy burden exerted by mosquito-borne diseases was the reason for this study to evaluate the entomological and parasitological indices of malaria disease transmission in Gidan Kwano and Mekunkele in Minna, North Central Nigeria. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the entomological and parasitological indices of malaria transmission of these two communities for effective control measures of malaria in the study. Study Design: This is a survey type study conducted in two selected communities in Minna the capital of Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Methods: Mosquitoes were sampled using Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSC). The population indoors was sampled by covering the floor with a white cloth of 5m x 5m each edge being held to the wall by a masking tape. The room was spread with an insecticide a pyrethroid and then left for 10 minutes, with every opening being shut. Results: A total of 867 mosquitoes were collected and identified: 420(48.44%) from Mekunkele and 447(51.55%) from Gidan Kwano. The collected mosquitoes were subsequently dissected for parity (egg laying status) and sporozoite rates using standard procedures. The results obtained indicates that Anopheles mosquitoes had a relative abundance of 542(62.51) with the females constituting 380(70.11%) and the males 162(29.88%). Gidan Kwano had the higher number of Anopheles mosquitoes of 287(52.95%) compared to Mekunkele with 255(47.04%). Out of the 380 females dissected, 210(55.26%) were positive for both sporozoites and parity rates, while 170(44.73%) were negative for both. Also, a total of 425 blood samples were collected and examined for malaria parasites from both locations. On the whole 277(65.20%) of the samples were positive while 148(34.80%) were negative at both locations with Mekunkele having 70.00% infection rate compared to Gidan Kwano with 60.10.% respectively. Generally, there was no significant difference in the distribution of the mosquito vectors and the malaria parasites within the study areas (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study therefore will be useful as a baseline data to help in designing strategies for the control of mosquito-borne diseases in Minna and its environs.