Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Mosquitoes are vectors for various diseases that pose significant public health threats worldwide. Understanding the abundance and diversity of mosquito species within urban areas is crucial for implementing effective control measures. This study aimed to assess the abundance of mosquito species within Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in different locations within Sokoto metropolis over a period of six months. Mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes were collected using standard sampling techniques, including larval dipping, adult trapping, and indoor resting collections. Morphological and molecular techniques were used for species identification. A total of seven mosquito species belonging to four genera were identified in the study area. The most abundant species were Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, which are known vectors of diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and lymphatic filariasis. Anopheles gambiae, the main vector of malaria, was also prevalent in the study area. The abundance of mosquito species varied across different sites within Sokoto metropolis, with higher densities observed in areas with poor sanitation and standing water bodies. Seasonal variations were also noted, with an increase in mosquito abundance during the rainy season. The findings of this study highlight the importance of implementing integrated vector control strategies to reduce the population of disease-transmitting mosquitoes within Sokoto metropolis. Public health interventions such as larval source reduction, insecticide-treated bed nets, and indoor residual spraying should be prioritized to mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the area. Further studies are needed to investigate the insecticide resistance profiles of mosquito populations in Sokoto metropolis and to assess the impact of environmental factors on mosquito abundance. Continuous surveillance and monitoring of mosquito populations are essential for early detection of disease outbreaks and timely implementation of control measures. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the abundance and distribution of mosquito species within Sokoto metropolis, highlighting the need for targeted vector control efforts to protect public health in the region.

Thesis Overview

The study was conducted to determine the abundance of mosquito species
within Sokoto metropolis. Three (3) locations, which are Danbuwa, Gobirawa and
GidanIgwai, in three (3) Local Government Areas, namely; DangeShuni, Sokoto
South and Sokoto North Local Government Areas respectively, were sampled out of
the five (5) Local Government Areas that make up Sokoto Metropolis were
sampled. A total of 341 Mosquitoes species belonging to two genera were
collected. The genera identified are Anopheles
and Culex. The number of Culex and Anopheles were 213(62.5%) and128(37.5%) respectively, showing a significant difference between the two
genera. The total number of males was 194, representing 56.9% of the sample and
a total number of females was 147, representing 43.1% of the total sample,
showing a significant difference between the gender (P >0.05)

The total number of the engorged Mosquitoes collected were 57, representing
39% of the total sample, while the total number of the not engorged mosquitoes
collected were 90, representing 61% of the total sample collected. There was no
significant difference between the engorged and the not engorged mosquitoes P
<0.05. The number of males recorded in Danbuwa area was more than the number
of females. In Gobirawa area also, more males than females were recorded. Also
in GidanIgwai area, the number of males recorded was more than the number of
females. However, these values were insignificant (p<0.05).

Finally, only Danbuwa had more number of engorged females than the not
engorged, the other two areas had lesser number of engorged than the not
engorged. The values were, however, also insignificant (p<0.05).

The results of the study is of Public Health concern as the species of
mosquitoes encountered have been known for the transmission of one form of
disease or the other.