Spatial distribution and diversity of mosquito vector in Ndufu Echara, Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract

Mosquitoes vectors transmit diseases of public health importance such as Dengue fever, Zika virus disease, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, west nile fever and chikungunya. Mosquito distribution significantly influences disease transmission risks. This study investigated the species composition and relative abundance of mosquitoes vector species in two selected villages in Ndufu-Echara, Ikwo LGA, from June to August 2025, to understand their distribution pattern and potential influence on disease transmission. Mosquitoes were collected using two standard methods: the Human Landing Catch (HLC) for outdoor sampling and the Pyrethrum Knockdown Catch (PKC) for indoor sampling. A total of 342 mosquitoes representing three genera and five species—Anopheles gambiae, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes vittatus, Aedes aegypti, and Aedes albopictus—were identified from two study sites. Culex quinquefasciatus had the highest relative abundance (40.34%) in Site 1, while Aedes vittatus showed the lowest (1.73%) in Site 2. Overall, 333 mosquitoes were collected across both methods, with 189 (97.36%) obtained via PKC and 144 (107.46%) via HLC. Aedes aegypti (20.89%) and Anopheles funestus (8.21%) were more abundant in HLC collections, while Aedes albopictus (14.29%) dominated PKC catches. Culex quinquefasciatus was also more frequent in HLC (43.28%) than PKC (28.59%). Diversity analyses revealed that Site 2 exhibited a slightly higher Shannon–Wiener diversity index (1.63) and evenness (0.91) than Site 1 (1.62 and 0.90, respectively). Margalef richness was higher in Site 2 (1.03) than Site 1 (1.02), while Simpson’s dominance index was greater in Site 1 (0.26) than Site 2 (0.23). There was significant difference in the populations of different species of mosquitoes collected with PKC and HLC collection method at (P = 0.001). These findings demonstrate spatial variations in mosquito distribution to prevent disease outbreaks in the area.