Journal of
Parasitology and Vector Biology

  • Abbreviation: J. Parasitol. Vector Biol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2510
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPVB
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 204

Full Length Research Paper

Plasmodium falciparium transmission intensity in Nyabushozi County, Kiruhura district, Uganda

R. Echodu1,2, J. Okello-Onen2*,  J. J. Lutwama3, J. Enyaru4, R. Ocan5, R. B. Asaba5,  F. Ajuga6, R. Akikii6, D. Bradley7, C. Mutero8, C. Kabonesa9 and J. Olobo10  
1Molecular Biology Programme, Makerere University, Uganda. 2Faculty of Science, Gulu University, Uganda. 3Uganda Virus Research Institute Entebbe, Uganda. 4Faculty of Science, Makerere University, Uganda. 5Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, Uganda. 6Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Uganda. 7London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. 8International Water Management Institute (SIMA), Uganda. 9Department of Women and Gender Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda. 10Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Makerere University, Uganda.  
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 28 July 2010
  •  Published: 30 November 2010

Abstract

The prevalence of malaria in human beings and Plasmodium falciparumsporozoite infection in Anopheles mosquitoes were studied for seven months in eight villages in Nyabushozi County, Kiruhura District, Uganda. The aim of the research work was to assess Plasmodium sporozoite infection rates using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and link this with malaria prevalence. A total of 2566 female Anopheles gambiae s.l. and 270 Anopheles funestus group were collected in 24 households using pyrethrum spray catches, and from goats and cattle housing (kraals), using CDC light traps. The densities of female An. gambiaes.l. and An. funestus group in all the eight villages studied were significantly influenced by rainfall. P. falciparum sporozoite rate for An. gambiae s.s. ranged from 0.84 - 5.26%. A total of 4000 people were involved in four epidemiological rounds of malaria surveys. The mean prevalence of parasitaemia was 17.4% for all ages combined and 22.8% for the 5 - 9 year age group. The four separate surveys gave ranges of 12.5 - 22.2% for all ages combined and 17.8 - 25.8% for the 5 - 9 year old children. It is evident from this study that malaria transmission in Nyabushozi County is fairy moderate and perennial, and maintained predominantly by An. gambiae s.s.

 

Key wordsPlasmodium falciparum, sporozoite rate, seasonal dynamics, Uganda.