1. Abdullahi, M., Omalu, I. C. J., Eke, S. S., Adeniyi, K. A., Otuu, C. A., Hassan, S. C., Josiah, G. J., Ocha, I. M., Ibeh, E. O., Akintola, A. A. and Ito, E. E. (2017). Distribution of Anopheles species in four selected sites in Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger state.

Abstract

ABSTRACT In Nigeria, inspite of intensive control measures and intervention, malaria remains number one public health threat. The lack of current data on the diversity and distribution of Anopheline mosquito species, a prerequisite to successful control, informed this study to assess the diversity and distribution of indoor resting adult mosquito in Chanchaga Local Government Area, Minna, Nigeria. The indoor adult mosquitoes populations were sampled using Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSC). The collected mosquitoes were preserved in silica gel self - indicator and identified using standard taxonomic keys. A total of one thousand five hundred and sixteen (1516) mosquitoes were collected and identified, among which 371 (24.47%) were Anopheles and 1145 (75.53%) Culex. 399 (26.31%) were collected from F-layout, 406 (26.28%) from Tunga, 361 (23.81%) from Chanchaga and 350 (23.08%) from Sauka-Kahuta. Six species of Anopheles mosquitoes were identified. These are Anopheles gambiae with a relative abundance of 235 (63.34%), Anopheles funestus 111 (29.92%), Anopheles coustani 10 (2.69%), Anopheles nili 6 (1.62%), Anopheles squamosus 6 (1.62%) and the least being Anopheles moucheti3 (0.81%). Tunga had the highest number of Anopheles mosquitoes of 116 (31.27%) followed by F-layout 93 (25.07%) while Sauka-Kahuta had the least number of Anopheles mosquitoes collected 74 (19.95%). This study demonstrated the complex distribution of Anopheles mosquito and the considerable variations in the intensity of malaria transmission in Chanchaga Local Government and its environs. Findings from this study will facilitate better understanding of the dynamics of malaria transmission and promote proper vector control measures in the study area.