The Prevalence of Malaria Parasites and the Dynamics of Malaria Vectors in Adenta-Barrier in Ghana

Background: Malaria burden is generally lower in urban settings. Urban malaria is likely to surge due to rapid and unplanned urbanization. Hence, this study sought to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite and malaria vectors in Adenta-barrier, a suburb of Adentan Municipality.

Methods: The study followed a cross sectional study design pattern. Mosquitoes were collected from 40 houses in the study site using the pyrethrum spray catches (PSC) method, and malaria parasite screening was carried out on 90 participants. A well-structured form was used to record data on the use of insecticide-treated nets, insecticide spray, and mosquito coil in the community. The mosquitoes collected were morphologically identified.

Results: The malaria parasite prevalence at the study site was 1.1%, and the use of insecticide-treated nets, insecticide spray, and mosquito coil were 13.4%, 7.5%, and 11.9% respectively. As far as vector abundance were concerned, habitat, resting and feeding behavior were taken into consideration. The majority of the mosquitoes collected during the study were Culex 95.7% (22), and the rest was Aedes 4.3% (1). Both Culex and Aedes mosquitoes were found in resting states. Study participants reported majority (80%) of the bites they sustained to have occurred during the early hours of the day. The study area also possessed several easily identifiable breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria in the study area was low and no Anopheles mosquitoes was found. The majority of mosquito species present in the locality was Culex with a few Aedes.