Distribution and Molecular Identification of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera-Culicidae) in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja Nigeria
NJE Vol. 41: 142-153, 2025
DOI.10.36108/NJE/5202/14.0101
Arowolo, O. B.1, Malann, Y. D.2 and Mohammed, B. R.1
1Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology University of Abuja Nigeria
2Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences University of Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract
Culex pipiens complex, a potential vector of an arboviral infection such as Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) transmit diseases between man and animals with high morbidity and mortality. Despite their public health importance, they are one of the neglected species in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja Nigeria. This work was designed to determine the species distribution of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in Gwagwalada Area Council FCT, Nigeria. Mosquitoes belonging to the Culex pipiens complex were captured in three different locations within Gwagwalada Area Council FCT, Nigeria between January 2022 and July 2022. Individual species were identified using standard morphometric methods. Amplification of the Ace2 gene by PCR was used to confirm morphological identified mosquitoes. A total of 1000 mosquitoes were captured. Culex quinquefaciatus recorded the highest distribution with 69.8% and other Culex pipiens 30.2% (p˂ 0.05). Out of the 698 Culex quinquefasciatus collected, 406 (58.17%) were females and 292 (42.20%) males (p<0.05). Highest number of mosquito vector distribution 40.90% (n=409) was recorded by New Kutunku community and Culex quinquefasciatus was more abundantly distributed with 280 (40.11%). Kuje Road community recorded 29.80% (n=298) of mosquitoes with Culex quinquefasciatus having a higher level of abundance 214 (30.80%) and lastly Passo with a distribution of 29.30% (n=293) and Culex quinquefasciatus with higher level of abundance 203 (29.09%). Results from this study showed that potential vectors of RVFV are found in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja. Which is an indication that the residents are prone to the risk of Rift Valley Fever Virus infection. Initiation of regular testing of RVFV among the residents in Gwagwalada Area Council is recommended.
Keywords: Rift Valley Fever Virus, Culex pipiens complex, PCR, CDC, Gwagwalada, Abuja