Authors : A. Ebenezer, H.I.B. Ben and E.B. Enaregha
Abstract: Spatial distribution is one of the key elements in disease epidemiology and implementation of vector control strategy. The study investigated the species composition and indoor resting density of mosquito species in seven communities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Adults were collected twice quarterly using Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) technique in 54 houses during September 2008 and August 2010. Mosquitoes were identified morphologically and characterized based on their gonotrophic status as fed, unfed, gravid and half gravid. The Indoor Resting Density (IRD) and Man Biting Rates (MBR) were determined. A total of 4566 female mosquito belonging to 5 species in 3 genera (Culex, Aedes and Anopheles) were collected. Species compositions in their increasing order of abundance were: Culex quinquefasciatus (45.6%), An. gambiae (24.2%), Ae. aegypti (18.1%), An. funestus (8.6%) and An. nili (3.5%). Differences in species distribution across locations were significant (fcal = 21.644, p<0.05). Over 80% of the mosquitoes were collected during wet season. Indoor resting density of the mosquito species were: Cx quinquefascistus (38.6 mosquito/room), An. gambiae (20.5 mosquito/room), Ae. aegypti (15.3 mosquito/room), An. funestus (7.3 mosquito/room) and An. nili (2.9 mosquito/room). About >40% of Cx quinquefasciatus and 70% of An. gambiae were fed. Their Man-biting rates were 9.8 bites/person/night and 8.7 bites/person/night, respectively. This study has contributed to the understanding of the distribution and indoor resting behavior of mosquitoes in Bayelsa State. The population of Culex and Aedes highlights the foci of filariasis and yellow fever in this location. This is a cause for public health concern.
A. Ebenezer, H.I.B. Ben and E.B. Enaregha, 2013. Atial Distribution and Indoor-Resting Density of Mosquito Species in the Lowland Rainforest of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 8: 87-91.