Studies on multiple feeding by Anopheles gambiae s.l. in a Sudan savanna area of north Nigeria

Abstract

The detection of haptoglobins in Anopheles gambiae s.l. has been used to obtain an estimate of the incidence of multiple feeding for the village of Barmawa, Garki District, Kano State, Nigeria. The results indicated that the incidence of multiple feeding was approximately 10% but problems were encountered by the high incidence of ahaptoglobinaemia in the population. In four villages in Garki District the incidence of ahaptoglobinaemia varied between 65 and 76% while in young children and personnel under constant malaria chemoprophylaxis it was less than 30%. A strong correlation between ahaptoglobinaemia and malaria infections was seen. The results show evidence of selection of hosts by mosquitoes at Barmawa although this does not necessarily imply a preference per se. The results provide evidence of movement of blood-fed mosquitoes, between houses and from houses to resting sites.