Entomological And Parasitological Indices Of Malaria Parasite Transmission In Imo State Polytechnic Omuma, Oru East, Nigeria
Ugagu, Gerald M.1, Umejiego, Ikenna B.1, Opara, Nnaemeka K.1, Ezike, Monica N.2, Nwoke, Murphy C.2 and Ochuba, Emmanuel E.1
1Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma, Nigeria
2Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
Abstract
The study conducted between May and September of 2023 examined entomological and parasitological indicators of malaria parasite transmission in order to identify the predominant mosquito species and establish the malaria endemicity in the vicinity of Imo State Polytechnic Omuma. The Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) was utilized to collect adult mosquitoes. Various mosquito species were gathered, categorized, and recognized. To detect the presence of a malaria parasite in the blood film stained with Giemsa stain, blood samples were taken from the same students whose rooms were utilized for the entomological survey during the parasitological study. Both the T-test and the Chi-square were used to assess the data. In all, 297 mosquitoes were detected in the research region (table 1), of which 230 Culex quinquefasciatus represented (77.4%) and 67 Anopheles gambiae (22.6%). The study was conducted at eight (8) sites. Comparing the results with the Anopheles gambiae recorded from the same site, Table 2b demonstrates that Culex quinquefasciatus had the highest prevalence and was substantially different at p<0.05. According to the results of the parasitological investigation, when 21 (42.0%) of the students residing in the hostel had their malaria parasite infection checked, 18 (85.7%) tested positive and 3 (14.3%) tested negative. When 29 students (58.0%) who were staying in the lodges had their malaria parasite infection checked, 23 (79.3%) of them tested positive, and 6 (20.7%) tested negative. Among the 50 learners randomly selected for parasitological analysis from the study’s school hostels and lodges, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the number of students who tested positive. The percentage of mosquito abundance and falciparum malaria presence found in this study are significant for public health. In order to develop strategies for the control of mosquito-borne diseases in Imo State Polytechnic Omuma and its surroundings, this study offers helpful baseline data.
Keywords: Entomological, parasitological, malaria, Plasmodium falciparum.
Impact Statement
This research was conducted to examine the entomological and parasitological indicators of malaria parasite transmission and to identify the predominant mosquito species and establish the malaria endemicity in the vicinity of Imo State Polytechnic Omuma. The data obtained from the study was analyzed to establish the presence of the vector and disease in the study area. The percentage of mosquito abundance and falciparum malaria found in the study were significant and pose a public health concern. The Polytechnic is a new institution in the area and the result of the study has helped the Polytechnic community to adopt the strategies recommended for the control of mosquito-borne diseases and the result has formed helpful baseline data for future references. Having identified the impact of human activities on the breeding of mosquitoes, avoiding such behaviors as recommended is of potential benefits towards the elimination of the vectors that transmit the diseases.
About Author/s
Dr. UGAGU, GERALD MMADUABUCHI, MPPSN, MESN, MZSN. (lead author)
Born on March 11, 1983 at Umuezike Ubaha Ezimba Ogberuru in Orlu L.G.A Imo State, young Ugagu, Gerald Mmaduabuchi had his primary school at Community Primary School Amaifeke, in Orlu, LGA. He proceeded to Township Comprehensive Secondary School Amaifeke for his Secondary School Education and graduated in 2001 with Credit in all the subjects he sat for. Dr. Ugagu, Gerald M, was a student of Prestigious Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia Abia State where he obtained his B.Sc. (Zoology) Second Class Upper Division in 2008. He also has to his credit M.Sc. Public Health Parasitology and Entomology (CGPA=4.75) in 2015 and Ph.D. Medical and Applied Entomology (CGPA=5.00) in 2022 from Imo State University Owerri. He has a certificate in computer appreciation and processing. Dr. Ugagu, Gerald M, started his academic career in 2013 with Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo, now in Omuma Oru East L.G.A Imo State as an assistant lecturer in the department of Science Laboratory Technology, by God’s grace and dent of hard work; he was promoted to Lecturer III in 2018 and Lecturer II in 2022. He is also an adjunct lecturer with Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ideato in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology. Dr. Ugagu, Gerald Mmaduabuchi teaching and research areas includes; General biology, Taxonomy, Public Health Parasitology and Entomology, Ecology, Genetics, Animal breeding, Pest and disease management and Physiology.
Nnaemeka Kelechi Opara
Nnaemeka Kelechi Opara, a Lecturer, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma, Imo State. Also, a Part-time Lecturer at Federal College of Land Resources, Owerri, in Department of Science Laboratory Technology.
Nnaemeka Kelechi Opara, is currently a PhD student (Public Health and Parasitology) of Department of Biological Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (formally Known as, Anambra State University).
He holds M Sc. Degree in Applied Entomology and Parasitology from University of Jos; and B Sc. (Ed) Biology, from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Nnaemeka Kelechi Opara, is an active member of Parasitology and Public Health Society Nigeria (PPSN).
He has successfully supervised many HND students research work and has to his credit several Journal Publications and Conference Papers.
Research Interest areas include:
Public Health Parasitology
Medical Entomology
Human Intestinal Parasitic Infections
Dr Mrs Monica Nweke Ezike
DOCTOR OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
Sr. Lecturer, Department of animal and environmental biology, Faculty of biological sciences, IMO State University Owerri
Research interests’ areas:
1)Medical entomology and public health entomology
2) Entomology and epidemiology of vector- diseases
3) insect pest and disease management
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
-Honest, dependable, trustworthy and self-motivating
-Always willing to learn new ideas
-Good interpersonal relationship and communication skill
-I cherish obedience, humility, reliability, honesty and due process. I respect constituted authorities as a law-abiding citizen.
HOBBIES: Reading, Writing, Singing and travelling.
Dr. Murphy C. Nwoke
Research scientist and lecturer, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology (zoology), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri
PERSONAL STATEMENT:
A proficient, dynamic and highly motivated individual with a good demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt easily, work methodically and whilst striving for quality in every task. An effective adept at professional communication with employees at all levels, easily making strong working relationships. Able to function well as a team member or independently.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTE: Good interactive and communication skill, Innovative mind, Ability to multi-task and action oriented, Cultural fit, modest and enjoy working.
INTERESTED AREAS: Public Health Parasitology, Entomology, Environmental Biology, Artificial intelligence, Pest and Diseases
HOBBIES: Reading, Meditation, Swimming, Playing football, Gaming
Dr Emmanuel Emeka Ochuba
Doctor of Epidemiology and public health microbiology.
Lecturer Department of science Laboratory technology, Microbiology Unit Imo State polytechnic, Omuma
Research interests’ areas: Epidemiology of Bacterial and parasitic diseases
Personal Profile
* Ability to work under pressure
* Effective communication and problems solving skills
* Effective use of initiative
* Good team player with strong analytical mind,
* Ability to read and write technical report
* Integrity and honesty. Self-motivated and target oriented
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