Studies on the Incrimination Rates of Two Minor Vectors - Anopheles Gambiae and Anopheles Funestus Complexes in the Transmission of Bancroftian Filariasis in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria

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 ( 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 ( 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