Anopheles gambiae s.l (Diptera: Culicidae) larval habitat and its public health implication in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria remains a global public health threat. This study investigated the larval habitat of Anopheles mosquito in Osun State, Nigeria and its public health implication. Four larval habitat types were encountered: Ground pool, gutter, container and abandoned tires. 158 specific larval habitats were identified. Inisa 53(33.5%) had the highest larval habitat abundance while Ila had the lowest, 5(3.2%) (p > 0.05). Inisa 45(28.5%) had the highest distribution of ground pool while Ila 5 (3.2%) had the lowest (p > 0.05). Ejigbo 3 (1.9%) recorded the highest number of gutters while Ila 0(0%) had none (p > 0.05). Inisa and Ijebu-Ijesha both recorded the highest larval habitats, 2(1.3%) and 2(1.3%) for containers. Ipetumodu had the highest, 1540(28.8%) relative larval abundance while Ila had the lowest, 584(10.9%) (p < 0.05). Ground pool harbored the highest larvae with larval density of between 0.5 and 6.5 larvae per dip, while gutter had larval density between 0.5 and 1.5 larvae per dip (p > 0.05). The mean larval density was greater than one larva per dip but less than five larvae per dip in the ground pool and gutter but less than 1 in gutter at Ejigbo. Ipetumodu had the highest mean larval density for the ground water pool while gutter at Ejigbo had the lowest (p < 0.05). Ijebu-Ijesha had the highest mean larval density for the gutter. The ground pool had higher mean larval density as compared to gutter (p < 0.05). This study identified the necessity for Anopheles mosquito surveillance through environmental management for effective vector control towards malaria and other Anopheles-borne disease control and eradication in the state.