Investigation on the Infectivity Rate of Plasmodium Parasites and Prevalence of Mosquitoes Genera in Katsina-Ala Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Africa. It is increasing throughout Katsina-Ala, Benue State, Nigeria and the world as a whole, due to the bite of the female anopheles mosquito. This study was carried out to identify the genera of mosquito and to determine the infectivity rate of plasmodium parasites among people in Katsina-Ala Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. Adult Mosquitoes were collected and morphologically identified exclusively. Blood samples were collected from 318 individuals and the presence of plasmodium parasites was examined on the microscope through Field stains (A and B) method. Out of the 318 samples collected, 253 were infected with plasmodium parasites with highest prevalence of infection of (80.21%) which was recorded among the female and the prevalence of infection of (79.01%) was recorded among the male. Age group 56-65 years recorded highest prevalence of infection of 100% while least infection (70.71%) was recorded among individuals within 5 - 15 years age group. The Genus of mosquitoes identified in the study was Anopheles, Culex and Aedes. Anopheles were found to be the most abundant with 98 mosquitoes (39.68%) and with the highest female mosquito of 66, suggesting that anopheles mosquitoes were the primary vectors responsible for transmitting malaria, a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. It can be concluded that there was high prevalence of malaria infection in the study area with high abundance of female anopheles mosquitoes. Efforts should be done on community-based malaria awareness and education campaigns for malaria prevention and control.