title: Biting of anthropophilic Culicoides fulvithorax (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a vector of Mansonella perstans in Nigeria.
abstract: Anthropophilic Culicoides were investigated in a rural community endemic for Mansonella perstans in Ijebu North area of western Nigeria between December 2003 and October 2004. Three hundred and fifty-nine adults of Culicoides fulvithorax collected by human bait in the morning were dissected for Mansonella perstans larvae, and 1.95% of infection rate was found. Seasonal abundance of C. fulvithorax was investigated by monthly biting rates, and showed that higher prevalence was observed in rainy season, with peak in September. Culicoides prevalence was positively correlated with rainfall and relative humidity, but not temperature. Human perceptions on the behavior of these biting midges were determined by interviewing 854 self-selected villagers, of which 86.5% of the interviewees confessed having experienced Culicoides bites. Between 76.5 and 99.1% of the various age groups complained body reactions to Culicoides bites. Itching was the most frequent body reaction. No interviewees associated Culicoides with transmission of any parasitic infections. The results showed need to adequately control Culicoides in the community.
authors.affiliation: Parasitology and Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. agbolmos@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Olufemi Moses
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Agbolade
authors.forename: Dora Olufunmilola
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Akinboye
authors.forename: Taiwo Monroof
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Olateju
authors.forename: Oluwatoyin Adepeju
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Ayanbiyi
authors.forename: Olukayode Olakunle
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Kuloyo
authors.forename: Oluwalolami Oluwaseun
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Fenuga
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002519:Ceratopogonidae / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D008366:Mansonella / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008368:Mansonelliasis / Q000635:transmission*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010465:Perception; D011891:Rain; D012423:Rural Health; D012621:Seasons; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires