Vectors, knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to malaria transmission in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Malaria remains a major public health concern in Nigeria and the vector (Anopheles species) can only be controlled effectively by having good knowledge of its composition and potential for disease transmission. This work aimed at surveying indoor malaria vectors and, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) in relation to disease transmission in Toro LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) between October and December 2019 and were morphologically identified using standard keys. Blood samples were collected from individuals who slept in the rooms where PSC was conducted. Thick and thin blood smears were made for malaria parasite examination. Questionnaires were administered to 120 participants for the KAP studies. RESULTS: Ninety-seven Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and identified as Anopheles gambiae 76 (78.35%), An. funestus 20 (20.62%) and An. coustani 1(1.03%). The overall malaria prevalence was 15.8%. KAP studies revealed that measures and treatment-seeking behaviours against malaria varied significantly (P<0.05) among the respondents. Sleeping under a net 55 (45.8%) and use of insecticides 24 (20.0%) were some of the preventive measures highlighted while the treatment-seeking behaviours included visit to a pharmacy 74 (61.7%) and use of local herbs 11 (9.2%). INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: This work revealed that An. gambiae and An. funestus are predominant malaria vectors in the area. The KAP information demonstrated fair knowledge about the disease by the respondents. Therefore, public enlightenment about malaria prevention, control and treatment is recommended to address the few but highly negative impact knowledge gaps about malaria.

Contrasting epidemiology of urogenital schistosomiasis among pastoral communities surrounding three Ramsar wetland in Nigeria.

Suspected changes in the epidemiology of schistosomiasis due to several hybridization reports between human and livestock Schistosoma species in Africa calls for epidemiological investigations among potential high-risk groups and sites. Although the use of wetlands for pastoralism has been linked to schistosomiasis, there is limited information on the epidemiology of the disease among pastoralists in Nigeria. In this study, urine samples from 355 participants from pastoral communities settled around three Ramsar wetlands (Wetlands of International Importance) in Nigeria, (Dagona Sanctuary, Maladumba, and Pandam-Wase) were screened for the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium. Only participants in the Dagona Sanctuary were infected with 34.2% prevalence. Macrohematuria was however observed in some individuals at the Dagona Sanctuary wetland (2.5%) and Maladumba (2.8%). Regular praziquantel administration, functional health care facilities and awareness about schistosomiasis were contributory factors to the contrasting epidemiology of the disease among the study population. Schistosomiasis control requires the inclusion of pastoral and nomadic communities in mass drug administration of praziquantel based on a community-directed intervention strategy.