Molecular Characterization and Malaria Transmission Potential of Anopheles gambiae Complex in Central Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa in which Nigeria accounts for the highest burden of the disease. Thus, this study characterized and determined malaria transmission potential of Anopheles gambiae complex in Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) and environs in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Mosquito day catch survey was carried out from October to November, 2023 between 6:00am and 9:00am. Mosquitoes collected were transferred into a well labeled petri-dish and transported to the Department of Zoology Laboratory in FULafia for sorting, morphological identification and further molecular processing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. A total of 113 adult mosquitoes were collected which belong to two mosquito groups and spread across two species, Culex quinquefasciatus 84 (74.33%) and An. gambiae sensu lato 29 (25.66%). More female mosquitoes were collected 90 (79.6%) than males 23 (20.4%). Abundance of mosquitoes in relation to locations varied significantly (P < 0.05), although the students’ hostels with the least mosquito population 22 (19.5%) yet had the highest population of Anopheles individuals 11 (50%). Less than one female Anopheles per room per night with a man biting rate of 0.1 bite/man/night. Out of the 20 Anopheles gambiae molecularly assayed, 90% (18/20) of them were Anopheles coluzzii while Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto accounted for the remaining 10% (2/20) and 70.0% of both Anopheles siblings were highly inclined to human host. Plasmodium infective stage was not found in the screened mosquitoes. In conclusion, entomological surveillance in the area should be continuous in order to achieve effective malaria vectors control strategies.