Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites, transmitted to humans through the bite and subsequent inoculation of sporozoites by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The study aimed to survey and detect the Circumsporozoite antigen of Anopheles mosquito vectors in some selected wards in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) indoor and outdoor female Anopheles mosquitoes were randomly trapped and collected using spray sheet and modified light trap methods, respectively. Mosquitoes were examined under an entomological stereomicroscope and identified through morphological features using the standard morphological Identification Key. Mosquitoes were dissected transversely under a dissecting microscope. Circumsporozoite protein was detected using the head and thorax, while the Abdomen was used for blood meal source analysis, both using ELISA. Result revealed that female Anopheles mosquitoes were identified by their spotted wings, hairy antennae and long maxillary palpi as the proboscis. Circumsporozoite protein was detected in 28 of the 384 mosquitos examined with a positive sporozoite rate of 7.3% while 92.7% were negative for the protein. The highest sporozoite rate of 9.4% was recorded in Unguwan Shanu. The highest proportion (10.2%) of human blood-fed mosquitoes were also detected in UnguwanShanu, with 13 out of 128 mosquitoes positive for human blood meal. The result showed that the dominant Anopheles mosquito species with high sporozoite rate detected in UnguwanShanu is an indication of an area with high malaria transmission. Measures aim at eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and reducing contact with mosquito vectors be adopted by community members.