Spatial distribution and geospatial modeling of potential spread of secondary malaria vectors species in Nigeria using recently collected empirical data

In Nigeria, most research and malaria vector control efforts have focused on primary vectors within the Anopheles gambiae complex, with less emphasis on other secondary vectors. Consequently, understudied secondary vectors have demonstrated a proportional and increasing role in transmission. This study utilized geospatial models to understand the potential distribution of anopheline species other than An. gambiae complex (non-gambiae species) in Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were sampled monthly between 2020 and 2022, with concurrent surveys of larval sites in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 20 States resulting in the collection and identification of over 100,000 Anopheline mosquitoes. Utilizing 23 environmental variables, the model produced maps depicting the potential geographical distribution of four secondary vector species under current climatic conditions. An. funestus, An. coustani, An. maculipalpis, and An. rufipes dominated collections, with other species also present. Most species collected exhibited higher occurrences in the Northern parts of the country, albeit with lower numbers, while they seem confined to fewer locations in the southern parts - with higher densities. An. funestus, An. maculipalpis, and An. rufipes demonstrated a higher potential for wide range expansion compared to An. coustani based on the model. Overall, modeling outputs indicate that non-An. gambiae were expected to exhibit a wide-spread across the country, with their distribution primarily influenced by temperature rather than precipitation-related factors. These models provide research scientists and decision-makers with a baseline for research, monitoring towards establishing management plans for future national mosquito surveillance and control programs in Nigeria.

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Publication Details

Journal
PLoS ONE
Published
2025-04-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320531
Citations
6
Primary Topic
Malaria Research and Control
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
9.39

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article

Spatial distribution and geospatial modeling of potential spread of secondary malaria vectors species in Nigeria using recently collected empirical data

Abiodun Olakiigbe, Akinlabi Mohammed Rufai, Salmah Idris, Ezra Abba et al.
6 citations
PLoS ONE
Malaria Research and Control
9.39
article

Spatial distribution and geospatial modeling of potential spread of secondary malaria vectors species in Nigeria using recently collected empirical data

Abiodun Olakiigbe, Akinlabi Mohammed Rufai, Salmah Idris, Ezra Abba, Salisu Ahmed Kabiru, Tasiu Shuaibu, Eric Esiwo, Elkanah Obadiah Sambo, Petrus Uchenna Inyama, Abiodun Obembe, Azubuike Christian Ukubuiwe, O. A. Idowu, Chioma C. Ojianwuna, Ibrahim Maikudi Salihu, Ifeoluwa Kayode Fagbohun, Adedayo O. Oduola, Adedapo Adeogun, Adeolu Taiwo Ande, Issa Kawu, Cyril Ademu, Monsuru Adeleke, Abduljalal Ado, Kennedy Poloma Yoriyo, Ahmed Idowu Omotayo, James Ssekitooleko, Musa Mustapha Dogara, Rebecca Samuel, A.M. Yayo, Lynda Ozor, Ayodele S. Babalola, Olugbenga Ayodeji Mokuolu, Ahmad Danjuma, Victor Ngozi Enwemiwe, Kamilu Ayo Fasasi, Julius Akolawole Bamidele, Lazarus Musa Samdi, Babatunde Lawal Salako, Sani Zakariya, Godwin N. Ntadom, M. S. Pukuma, Tolulope Oyeniyi, Suleiman Mohammed, Olalekan E. Olagundoye, Mary Esema, Mamudu Omo-Eboh, Romoke T. Izekor, Abdulmalik Bala Shuaibu, Oluwakemi Adetunji, Mohammed Bala, Samson Awolola, Adesola Z. Musa, Chioma Amajoh, Israel Kayode Olayemi, A. B. Samaila, N Amini Sani, Adamu Dagona, Daskum Abdullahi Muhammad, Jibrin Musa Mabu, Musa John Zabiri, Okoko Okefu Oyale, Peni Aiki Istifanus, Jumoke Kikelomo Fawole, Garba Columbus Liatu, Alex Jasini Wahedi, Chukwu Okoronko
article en
6 citations

Abstract

In Nigeria, most research and malaria vector control efforts have focused on primary vectors within the Anopheles gambiae complex, with less emphasis on other secondary vectors. Consequently, understudied secondary vectors have demonstrated a proportional and increasing role in transmission. This study utilized geospatial models to understand the potential distribution of anopheline species other than An. gambiae complex (non-gambiae species) in Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were sampled monthly between 2020 and 2022, with concurrent surveys of larval sites in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 20 States resulting in the collection and identification of over 100,000 Anopheline mosquitoes. Utilizing 23 environmental variables, the model produced maps depicting the potential geographical distribution of four secondary vector species under current climatic conditions. An. funestus, An. coustani, An. maculipalpis, and An. rufipes dominated collections, with other species also present. Most species collected exhibited higher occurrences in the Northern parts of the country, albeit with lower numbers, while they seem confined to fewer locations in the southern parts - with higher densities. An. funestus, An. maculipalpis, and An. rufipes demonstrated a higher potential for wide range expansion compared to An. coustani based on the model. Overall, modeling outputs indicate that non-An. gambiae were expected to exhibit a wide-spread across the country, with their distribution primarily influenced by temperature rather than precipitation-related factors. These models provide research scientists and decision-makers with a baseline for research, monitoring towards establishing management plans for future national mosquito surveillance and control programs in Nigeria.

PLoS ONEVol. 20(4)
Adamawa State University (NG), University of Ilorin (NG), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (NG), Delta State University (NG), Federal Ministry of Health (NG), Alltech (United States) (US), Yobe State University (NG), Taraba State University (NG), Nasarawa State University (NG), Umaru Musa Yar'adua University (NG), Osun State University (NG), Department of Biological Sciences (RU), World Health Organization - Nigeria (NG), Federal Medical Centre (NG), Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NG), Modibbo Adama University of Technology (NG), Federal University of Technology Minna (NG), University of Abuja (NG), Gombe State University (NG), Bayero University Kano (NG), Kwara State University (NG)
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Malaria Research and Control
9.39
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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