Circadian Biting patterns of Major Lymphatic Filariasis Vectors from Northwest Nigeria

The circadian biting pattern of mosquito vectors is an important determinant of malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF) transmission. Good knowledge of the vector host-seeking behavior, its outdoor/indoor biting preference, and nocturnal biting time is essential component for vector control strategies in Northwest Nigeria. The aim of this study was to assess the circadian biting time and identify the mosquito composition morphologically and molecularly. Mosquitoes were collected outdoor by human landing catches (HLC) using mouth aspirator from Batagarawa town and Gajerar Giwa village. Mosquitoes were morphologically and molecularly identified as Anopheles gambiae (M and S forms), Anopheles funestus s.s and Culex quinquefasciatus. The peak biting time for Culex quinquefasciatus were relatively similar across the study communities and the nocturnal biting rates showed an increased night time peak between 11pm to 12am. However, the peak biting time of Anopheles gambiae s.l also varied between study communities and the nocturnal biting rates showed an increased night time peak between 9pm to 10pm and then 11pm to 12am but, the peak biting time for Anopheles funestus s.l which was found only in Gajerar Giwa village and the nocturnal biting rates showed an increased night time peak between 12am to 1am. This finding serves as a basis for creating an improved vector control strategies that target specific species, and if combine with other interventions could result in the elimination of malaria and LF transmission from Northwest Nigeria.