Description
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
According to World Malaria Report (2020), 76 percent of Nigeria’s population are at risk of malaria by living in high transmission areas. From the report, Nigeria accounts for 27 percent of malaria cases worldwide and the highest number of deaths (24 percent) due to malaria in 2019 (World Malaria Report, 2020). Currently, malaria vectors control activities have succeeded in shrinking vector distribution map in different areas across Africa (Meyrowitsch et al, 2011; Padonou et al, 2012). The Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) is the most important vector of malaria in Africa (Hunt et al, 2018) and comprises of seven morphologically indistinguishable sibling species (Gillies et al, 2017). The most important members of the complex involved in malaria transmission are An. gambiae s.s. and An. arabiensis. An. quadriannulatus, An. melas, An. merus and An. bwamba are of minor importancs (Moreno et al, 2017). These spe- cies vary in relative frequency and distribution from one geographical location to another; distribution is influenced by prevailing climatic conditions (Lindsay et al, 1998). In Nigeria, higher populations of An. arabiensis were recorded in the arid northeast region (Samdi et al, 2006), while higher populations of An. gambiae s.s. were collected in the southern tropical rainforest (Gillies et al, 2018).
The identification to species level of morphologically identical taxa within the complex is an essential component of the epidemiological study of malaria and the sub- sequent formulation of control strategies in malaria endemic areas (Gadzama et al, 2013).
There is paucity of information on the composition and distribution of members of the An. gambiae complex in Akoko south, Ondo State of Nigeria. This study utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to identify the species of the major vector of malaria, An. gambiae complex in different eco-vegetational zones of the state.
1.2 Problem Statement
Due to their diverse ecology and behavior, identification of individual siblings of the member of Anopheles gambiae s.i is of important so as to understand the epidemiology, transmission pattern and the most appropriate intervention.
1.3 Motivation of the study
Due to higher level of malaria transmission in the world mostly in African and the level in which mosquitoes have plagued the world with malaria for decades and centuries now. Anopheles gambiae is the dominant and most efficient vector of human malaria in the Afrotropical Region, based on its high abundance, longevity, high propensity for humans feeding, and high vectorial capacity. An understanding of the temporal and spatial determinants of parasite transmission, its seasonal patterns and the dominant vectors implicated in transmission is crucial for the control of vector species. A reliable risk modelling is one of the precautionary means in the framework of public health and management of malaria, especially in view of climate change. This study was carried out to meet the need.
1.4 Aim and objectives of the study
The main aim of this study is to look at the composition, distribution and morphological identification of members of Anopheles gambiae s.i in Akoko south local Government, Ondo State of Nigeria. The objectives are:
- To identify Anopheles mosquito collected morphologically
- To identify the composition of Anopheles gambiae s.i
- To know the distribution of Anopheles gambiae s.i within Akoko south LGA.
1.5 Significance of the study
The knowledge of species distribution and composition are the bedrock in measuring the effectiveness of malaria vector control strategies. This research tend to know the composition, distribution and morphological identification of Anopheles gambiae s.i.
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