Parasitology

Biography

Biography: Chidiebere Agha Otuu

Abstract

This study determined the Parasitological and Entomological indices of malaria transmission in two communities, namely, Tungangoro and Gbaiko in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Mosquito collection was done indoors in selected households, while blood samples were collected for parasitological examination using the thumb prick method from under five children in the study locations. Mosquitoes and samples were collected between August 2011 and October 2012. The mosquitoes were collected using the spread sheet Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSC) and later differentiated into different species. The female Anopheles species were then examined for sporozoite and parity rates. The blood samples were examined in the laboratory for the presence of Plasmodium parasites using a light microscope. Out of the total number of mosquitoes collected Anopheles mosquitoes had a relative abundance of 456 (61.50%) with the females constituting 273 (59.90%) and the males183 (40.10%). Culex mosquitoes had a relative abundance of 286 (38.50%) out of which 155 (54.20%) were females and 131 (45.80%) were males. At both study locations Anopheles species were greater in number compared to Culex species. Out of the 365 female Anopheles mesquites dissected for parity, 211 (67.00%) were parous while 104 (33.00%) were nulliparous. Out of 445 blood samples examined for malaria parasites 315 (70.80%) were positive while 130 (29.20%) were negative. There was a significant difference in the distribution of mosquito vectors and malaria parasites in the two study areas which is an indication that the area has a high endemicity for malaria and adequate control measures should be undertaken.