Physicochemical Properties of Mosquito Breeding Sites and the Insecticide Susceptibility Profile of Larva and Adult Mosquito.
Student: Ramla Musa Kabir (Project, 2025)
Department of Biochemistry
Bayero University, Kano, Kano State
Abstract
Malaria remains a global health threat, with female mosquitoes as primary vectors. Rising insecticide resistance is exacerbating the disease, particularly in Africa. Effective control strategies require a comprehensive understanding of mosquito ecology, larval distribution, and environmental factors influencing resistance. This study assessed the physicochemical properties of mosquito breeding sites in three agricultural locations: Challawa, Zango, and Doka. Key parameters analyzed included pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and heavy metal concentrations. Results revealed significant variations across sites, with mean pH (5.10 ± 2.00), electrical conductivity (303.33 ± 378.20 mS/cm), and TDS (223.33 ± 265.60 mg/L) showing notable fluctuations. Following this, the larvicidal efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil at 60% concentration was evaluated through serial dilution and exposure experiments, resulting in a 16% mosquito larval mortality rate. The susceptibility and resistance profile of mosquitoes to propoxur was also examined. The study recorded a 28.78% mosquito mortality rate upon exposure to propoxur, both indicating a high level of resistance among the mosquito population. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated vector management strategies, including alternative insecticides and environmental control measures, to combat insecticide resistance and enhance malaria control efforts.
Keywords
For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: kabirmusaramla@gmail.com