Malariometric indices of mosquitoes caught outdoors in Iba LCDA, Ojo local Government, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Mosquitoes were collected by human landing catches between February and June 2013 (early wet season) outside houses situated at Iba local council development authority (Iba LCDA) in Ojo local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 264 mosquitoes were caught and transferred to bottles containing 70% ethanol and labeled accordingly. Species and sex differentiation was carried out using a dissecting binocular microscope. Morphotaxonomic keys indicated that there were more Anopheles 211 (80%) than Culex mosquitoes 53(20%) and more females 221(84.5%) than males 43(16.2%). However only 29 Anopheles female had bloodmeals (engorged). Malariometric indices as bloodmeal analysis (Human host preference) and sporozoite rate were carried out on the engorged female Anopheles using the Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 11(37.5%) tested positive for human host out of the 29 engorged females while five (17.24%) tested for sporozoite. The study highlighted that since malaria can be contacted outdoors when bitten control should not be restricted only to indoors. Control Methods like clearing of bushes, gutters, destruction of breeding sites and regular environmental sanitation are strongly advocated in this area.