The relationship between weather parameters and female mosquito populations/distribution were determined in Makurdi from four localities over a 12-month period. Data on temperature, rainfall and relative humidity were obtained using the expertise of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency at the Tactical Air Command headquarters in Makurdi. Adult female mosquitoes (4,320), comprising anophelines and culicines were caught indoors and identified using standard keys and procedures. 1,040 (24.1%) were Anopheles gambiae sl; 641 (14.8%) were Aonpheles funestus; 2,418 (56.0%) were Culex quinquefasciatus while 221(5.1%) were 'unidentified' Anopheles species. Mean atmospheric temperature was high throughout the study period with peaks in February and March, before the steady rains in April. Mean temperature in the hottest period (February to April) ranged from 35.2 0 C -38.2 0 C. Relative humidity was proportional to rainfall and ranged from 44% -86%. Wet seasons had more mosquito vectors than the dry season. Pearsons's correlation showed a significant negative relationship (P < 0.05) between temperature and the abundance and distribution of mosquitoes for all the other species except for Anopheles funestus (P > 0.05). Similarly, there were significant positive correlations (P < 0.05) between both rainfall and relative humidity, and the abundance of the other mosquito species in the study area excluding Anopheles funestus (P > 0.05). Regression showed strong linear relationships (R 2 = 0.557, 0.549, and 0.637 for temperature, rainfall and humidity respectively) between weather parameters and mosquito population. This work provides baseline data on mosquito vector relationship with weather factors required for vector population control interventions in Makurdi.

Abstract:Studies on the roles of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus complexes in the transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in Makurdi, Nigeria across four localities: High-level, Wurukum, North-bank and Wadata were undertaken from July, 2011 to June, 2012. 1,681 adult female mosquitoes were identified and dissected with the aid of standard keys and procedures to determine their incrimination rates with microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti. 1,040 (61.87%) of these were Anopheles gambiae sensu lato while 641 (38.13%) were Anopheles funestus. The results showed a significant difference ( ) 05 . 0  P between the mosquito species and their abundance. The overall microfilarial incrimination rate was 5.77% (97/1,681); Anopheles gambiae s.l. was more incriminated (3.57%) than Anopheles funestus (2.20%). The incrimination rates differed significantly ( ) 05 . 0  P between the two mosquito species surveyed. ANOVA also showed significant variations (P < 0.05) in the microfilarial incrimination rates across the localities and seasons: North-bank locality had the highest microfilarial incrimination rate of 17.23% while mosquitoes from High level, Wurukum and Wadata localities had similar incrimination rates of 3.94%, 3.93% and 3.79% respectively. These rates were higher during the dry season than the wet period. The results revealed potential risk of lymphatic filariasis transmission among residents of Makurdi, since the two Anopheles vectors effectively harboured microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti in their salivary glands. However, determination of microfilarial infection rates in human population is recommended in the study area. The results of the present investigation may provide entomological baseline data required for both present and future implementation of vector/disease control interventions in Makurdi

No abstract

Introduction: Malaria is a febrile illness caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. The genetic diversity and antimalarial drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum are some of the major challenges of malaria control programme in Nigeria. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the genetic diversity, and molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance among patients attending Government hospitals in Benue State, Nigeria. Methodology: Plasmodium falciparum deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from dried blood spots of 60 positive malariacases among the patients. The diversity of Plasmodium falciparum was done by genotyping 3D7 and FC27 families of merozoite surface protein- 2 alleles. The Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance 1 and Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 genes of Plasmodium falciparum were also amplified and assessed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to survey molecular resistance to antimalarial drugs. Results: The results showed that the frequency of 3D7 allele 37(61.7%) was higher than FC27 allele 18(30.0%). The frequency of merozoite surface protein- 2 infections with both allelic types was 5(8.3%). There was a significant difference in the distribution of the merozoite surface protein two alleles (χ2=25.9,df=2 P<.0.001). Both the Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance 1 Asparagine 86Tyrosine (N86Y) and Aspartic acid 1246Tyrosine (D1246Y), had 100 % mutant while the 100% while the Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 G449A had 100% wild type allele. Conclusion: The current study underscores the need for frequent monitoring of indicators of antimalaria drug resistance in Nigeria.