Ugagu, Gerald M.1, Alisi, Goodluck E.2, Umejiego, Ikenna B.1, Opara, Nnaemeka K.1, Ezike, Monica N.2, Ochuba,

Emmanuel E.1 and Okorie, Celestine C.1

1Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma, Oru East Nigeria

2Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria

 

ABSTRACT

Mosquito vector of human diseases associated with artificial containers in the Surrounding of Imo State Polytechnic Omuma, were studied between the months of May 2023 to August 2023. The collection of larvae of mosquitoes from the artificial breeding sites identified in the study area were done using dipper (ladle) constructed locally. Eight different sites designated (A- H) were used for the study. A total of 712 mosquitoes were identified, after larvae collected from the sites were reared to adult stage. They belong to three (3) genera of four (4) Species. They include Anopheles species 161 (22.6%), Aedesaegypti, 168 (23.6 %), Aedesalbopictus 148 (19.9 %) and Culexquinquefaciatus241 (33.8%). Site G recorded the highest percentage occurrence of species 131(18.4%) while Site A recorded the least with 63 (8.8%) mosquitoes. Results from different sites was not significantly different when compared for species abundance at p value ˃0.05. Species abundance was also compared among the months used for the study to statistically determine the month that has the highest abundance of species in the study area. Public health implication of different species encountered in the study area were determined using standardized keys. Considering the abundance of the anthropophilic mosquitoes in the study area, regular surveillance and preventive measure on these disease vectors should be encourage, hence there is need for further study on the mosquitoes found in the study area for control and prevention of possible disease outbreak.

 Keywords: Mosquito vectors, artificial breeding sites, anthropophilic, disease outbreak

 

Impact Statement

This research was conducted to investigate the Mosquito Vector of Human Diseases Associated with Artificial Containers in The Surroundings of Imo State Polytechnic Omuma, Oru East L.G.A, Nigeria. The data obtained from the study was analyzed to establish the presence of mosquito vector that is associated with artificial containers in the study area. The school environment is altered by urbanization, and this has a significant impact on Polytechnic mosquito populations. The study of mosquito vectors of human diseases in the study area was necessary because there has been increasing reports of mosquito bites by students living in the school hostel. This poses a severe public health problem, which is why Omuma, a new site owned by the state, was chosen for the study. According to the study’s findings, manufactured freshwater habitats like broken and abandoned butters and plastic containers harbor a variety of mosquito populations with noticeably greater larval densities, which may also contribute to species richness in educational settings. The general findings of this study provide credence to the idea that the environment at Imo State Polytechnic affects a number of aspects of mosquito biology, such as the variety and density of mosquito species and the timing of peak larval abundances. 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 also formed helpful baseline data for future references. The result has also helped the students to avoid behaviors that supports the breeding of these vectors as recommended by our team. 

 

About Author/s

Dr. UGAGU, GERALD MMADUABUCHI

Dr Ugagu, Gerald M, has contributed to academic leadership and growth as well as excellent research and learning in the Polytechnic and University. He has successfully supervised over 100 undergraduate Projects and has rendered a meaningful assistance to several post graduate students. Currently, he has to his credit several academic and professional publications. Dr. Ugagu, Gerald has carried out successfully field studies in South East Nigeria for the Validation of Blackfly Habitat for Simulium Damnosum in Nigeria Sponsored by Bill and Gates Foundation August to September, 2022. Dr. Ugagu, Gerald is Co-investigator and Research Scientist on a Research Grant Award by Bill and Gates foundation (BMGF) Titled “STUDIES ON OPTIMIZATION OF BLACK FLIES TRAPS AND THE USE OF PHEREMONES IN TRAPPING SIMULIUM DAMNOSUM S.L IN NIGERIA”. Relevant and distinguished in his field of study, Dr. Ugagu, Gerald M, is a scientist of repute. He is an active Member of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, Member Entomological Society of Nigeria and also a Member of Zoological Society of Nigeria. He is also a member of the local organizing committee of Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria South-East 1st Symposium of the Society and a member of the National Organizing committee for the Annual Conference of the Society.  

 

ALISI GOODLUCK EZINNE

Alisi Goodluck Ezinne, a training facilitator with Transaid Consulting limited FCT, Abuja and Former Health Educator with primary healthcare Mabuishi, Abuja. Alisi Goodluck Ezinne, is currently a PHD student (Public Health Parasitology) of the Department of Environmental/applied Biology Imo State University Owerri. She holds m.sc Degree in public health Parasitology and Entomology from Imo State University, B.Sc. Animal and Environmental Biology from Imo State University and OND Science Laboratory Technology from Institute of Management and Technology (IMT)Enugu. She has a certificate in leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington USA, and Certificate in Project management in global Health from University of Washington USA. Alisi Goodluck Ezinne, is an active member of Parasitology and Public Health Society Nigeria (PPSN). Member Institute of Humanitarian Studies and Social Development Nigeria (IHDS). She has facilitated a lot of courses in public health, mental health and project management.

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.

MR. OKORIE CELESTINE CHIDIEBERE

Okorie Celestine Chidiebere is an employee of Imo State Polytechnic Omuma. he holds an M. Sc degree in public health Parasitology from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) and a B.Sc. degree in Zoology, from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). He is a member of the Nigeria Society of Microbiology (NSM), He is also a member of the Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria (IAA). He has several scholarly articles to his credit. His research interest includes; Parasitology and Public Health.

 

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