A survey of breeding sites and variation of Simulium damnosum in Ini L.G.A. of Akwa Ibom, Nigeria

Abstract

In the year 2001, a total of 9207 aquatic stages of Simulium damosum were collected from five group of breeding sites; (53.4%), submerged leaves 3263 (35.4%), submerged rocks 723 (7.9%), other object 210 (2.3%) and free water 95 (1.0%) in two streams. The 4556 adults captured were distinguished into 3 complexes based on morphometric methods. The Aquatic stages prevalence shows highest abundant of 1277 in October, the peak adult abundant (485) followed the aquatic stages peak by one month in November. The distinction of S. damnosum by morphometric methods provides a valuable tool in the study and control of onchocerciasis.

The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 149-154