Abstract
Introduction: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria despite ongoing control efforts. Understanding the ecological characteristics of mosquito breeding habitats and the molecular composition of malaria vectors is essential for improving vector control strategies.
Aims: This study aimed to determine the breeding habitat preferences and physicochemical characteristics of Anopheles mosquito breeding sites and to identify the molecular composition of members of the Anopheles gambiae complex in Ado, Oye, and Ikere LGAs of Ekiti State.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving entomological surveys and molecular analyses was conducted. Larval habitats were characterized using WHO standard forms. Anopheles larvae were collected from nine breeding sites across the three LGAs and reared to adulthood. Adult mosquitoes were identified morphologically, while sibling species within the Anopheles gambiae complex were identified using PCR. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity) and essential elements (sodium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, phosphate, and nitrogen) were analyzed. Statistical tests were used to compare variations among LGAs.
Results: All breeding habitats were temporary water bodies (100%), with 67% polluted and turbid, and 78% exposed to sunlight. All sites were located near human settlements. Recorded parameters included temperature (25.7–37.8°C), pH (4.0–9.2), dissolved oxygen (16.4–27.4 mg/L), and electrical conductivity (220–554 μS/cm). Significant differences were observed for temperature (p = 0.02), pH (p = 0.03), and salinity (p = 0.001), while EC (p = 0.39), TDS (p = 0.05), and DO (p = 0.19) were not significant. Elemental concentrations varied across habitats. Molecular analysis identified Anopheles coluzzii (70.2%), while 29.8% remained unidentified. No significant difference in species distribution was observed (χ² = 1.696, p = 0.428).
Conclusion: Enhanced vector management strategies, including molecular surveillance and continuous resistance monitoring, are essential for improving insecticide efficacy and malaria control in Ekiti State and other endemic areas.