VECTORS OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS IN ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

A study was done in order to identify the vectors of Wuchereria bancrofti (the causative organisms of lymphatic filariasis). This study was carried out in four communities where lymphatic filariasis were earlier identified. These communities are Oraeri, Ekwulobia, Akpo and Achina, all in Aguata Local Government area of Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria. The study was done in the last two weeks of July which is often the peak of the rainy season, when mosquitoes are likely to breed in their greatest numbers. A 12 hour mosquito collection was done, from 6 pm to 6. am. At the end of this, insecticide-knock- down (IKD) collection was done. A total of 431 mosquitoes were caught in the four project sites at the following rates: Oraeri (110), Ekwulobia (118), Akpo (115) and Achina (88). The mosquitoes species collected were Anopheles fenestus. Anopheles gambiae,Cluex pipiens fatigans (Culex quinque faciatus) and Mansoni africanus, (the solitary Mansoni from Achina). After dissection in saline, Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae were isolated in seven of the mosquitoes. The infected mosquitoes came from the four communities. The solitary Mansoni was not infected. The conclusion is that Anopheles fenestus, and Culex pipiens fatigans are the vectors of lymphatic filariasis in the region. Because of the high level of ignorance concerning the disease, education about its cause, course and prevention should be stepped up by governments and organizations.