Spatial distribution and geospatial modeling of potential spread of secondary malaria vectors species in Nigeria using recently collected empirical data
Abstract
In Nigeria, most research and malaria vector control efforts have focused on primary vectors within the Anopheles gambiae complex, with less emphasis on other secondary vectors. Consequently, understudied secondary vectors have demonstrated a proportional and increasing role in transmission. This study utilized geospatial models to understand the potential distribution of anopheline species other than An. gambiae complex (non-gambiae species) in Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were sampled monthly between 2020 and 2022, with concurrent surveys of larval sites in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 20 States resulting in the collection and identification of over 100,000 Anopheline mosquitoes. Utilizing 23 environmental variables, the model produced maps depicting the potential geographical distribution of four secondary vector species under current climatic conditions. An. funestus, An. coustani, An. maculipalpis, and An. rufipes dominated collections, with other species also present. Most species collected exhibited higher occurrences in the Northern parts of the country, albeit with lower numbers, while they seem confined to fewer locations in the southern parts - with higher densities. An. funestus, An. maculipalpis, and An. rufipes demonstrated a higher potential for wide range expansion compared to An. coustani based on the model. Overall, modeling outputs indicate that non-An. gambiae were expected to exhibit a wide-spread across the country, with their distribution primarily influenced by temperature rather than precipitation-related factors. These models provide research scientists and decision-makers with a baseline for research, monitoring towards establishing management plans for future national mosquito surveillance and control programs in Nigeria.
Article Details
Authors (65)
Adedapo O. Adeogun
Ayodele Samuel Babalola
Okoko Okefu Oyale
Tolulope Oyeniyi
Ahmed Omotayo
Romoke Tawakalitu Izekor
Oluwakemi Adetunji
Abiodun Olakiigbe
Olalekan Olagundoye
Monsuru Adebayo Adeleke
Chioma Cynthia Ojianwuna
Adamu Dagona
Daskum Abdullahi Muhammad
Jibrin Musa Mabu
Elkanah Obadiah Sambo
Adedayo Oduola
Petrus Uchenna Inyama
Lazarus Samdi
Abiodun Obembe
Mustapha Musa Dogara
Kennedy Poloma Yoriyo
Suleiman Mohammed
Rebecca Naphtali Samuel
Chioma Amajoh
Adesola Musa
Musa John Zabiri
Njobdi Sani
Sani Zakariya
Abubakar Samaila
Ezra Abba
Abdulmalik Bala Shuaibu
Victor Enwemiwe
Eric Esiwo
Ahmad Danjuma
Tasiu Shuaibu
Peni Aiki Istifanus
Salisu Kabiru
Azubuike Christian Ukubuiwe
Ibrahim Maikudi Salihu
Julius Akolawole Bamidele
Jumoke Kikelomo Fawole
Garba Columbus Liatu
Alex Jasini Wahedi
Sambo Fatima Idris
Abduljalal Ado
Micah Sale Pukuma
Kanil Ayo Fasasi
Akinlabi Muhammed Rufai
Ifeoluwa Kayode Fagbohun
Mohammed Bala
Mary Esema
Mamudu Omo-Eboh
Olufunmilayo Ajoke Idowu
Adeolu Ande
Israel Kayode Olayemi
Abdulsalami Manu Yayo
Cyril Ademu
Chukwu Okoronko
Lynda Ozor
James Ssekitooleko
Olugbenga Mokuolu
Issa Kawu
Godwin Ntadom
Babatunde Salako
Samson Awolola