The role of permanent and seasonal freshwater bodies in the distribution of molluscan vectors of urinary schistosomiasis in Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Disease vectors control has been known to be the gateway to the control of water borne and water related diseases.  There is an upsurge of current emphasis on vector biology and control rather than chemotherapy as better strategies for disease reduction or eradication.  The role of permanent and seasonal freshwater bodies in the distribution and control of Molluscan vectors of urinary schistosomiasis in BornoStatewas studied.  There were significant (P£0.05) differentials in the distribution of the two snail species investigated.  Permanent bodies of water accounted for 90.21% and 90.40% of Bulinus globosus and Bulinus forskali respectively while seasonal habitats accounted for 9.79% and 9.60% of the snail species respectively.  There was also a highly significant (P£0.05) difference in the grand total species percentage abundance of 98.57% and 10.43% for B globosus and B. forskali respectively.  The drying up of the aquatic vegetation during the dry season was observed as veritable component of snail reduction and control.