Transmission Potential of Lymphatic Filariasis Vectors in Selected Communities of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: An Entomological Surveillance Study

Background and Aims: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a mosquito-borne parasitic disease for which entomological surveillance is important in assessing transmission potential. This study assessed the transmission potential of lymphatic filariasis (LF) vectors in selected communities of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, based on mosquito species composition, physiological status and parity, and detection of Wuchereria bancrofti larval stages. Study Design: Community-based entomological surveillance study. Place and Duration of Study: Five selected communities in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, from February to August 2024. Methodology: Adult mosquitoes were collected monthly during three dry-season months (February–April) and three rainy-season months (June–August). Mosquitoes were morphologically identified using standard identification keys. Female mosquitoes were assessed according to abdominal physiological status and parity. A physiologically selected subset of 479 female mosquitoes was dissected and examined for L1, L2 and L3 filarial larval stages. Mosquitoes containing any larval stage were classified as infected, while those containing L3 were considered infectious.