Investigations into phlebotomine Sand flies in Nairobi area
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Date
1990Author
Maranga, Rosebella O
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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studies were commenced to collect and identify the
phlebotomine sandflies found in Nairobi. The studies
were also aimed at determining their numbers as well as
assessing the effects of seasonal changes on the sandfly
population. Four trapping methods viz. light traps,
sticky traps, aspiration and human baits were employed.
Using the entomological keys of Kirk and Lewis (1951)
and a pictorial key developed by Mutinga for Kenyan
sandflies, 8 species and one undescribed species were
recorded over a period of 6 months. The identified
species included Phlebotomus guggisbergi, Phlebotomus
rodhaini, Sergentomyia adleri, Sergentomyia
squamipleuris, Sergentomyia clydei, Sergentomyia
teesdalei, Sergentomyia harveyi.and Sergentomyia
bedfordi and undescribed species. The undescribed
species was the most abundant among the collected
sandflies whereas ~. adleri was the least in abundance.
Most of the sandfly species trapped showed seasonal
prevalence. The sandflies occurred in large numbers at
the onset of the rains. The sandfly population
.
decreased drastically however, during the heavy rains.
The seasonal variation in numbers was closely related to
the weather conditions.
stepwise regression realized a formula that could be
used to predict the number of sandflies of a particular
species that one expects to catch at any given time.
Detailed results are discussed elsewhere in this thesis.
The sandflies were found in termite morinds, animal
burrows, caves and dugouts some of which were near human
habitations. Most of the sandflies were collected from
termite mounds and animal burrows. The sandflies also
showed prevalence for micro-habitats.
The results of these studies have demonstrated clearly
that Nairobi has a number of sandfly species some of
which are potential vectors of leishmaniasis. For
example, ~. clydei is a suspected vector of lizard
leishmaniasis in Kenya and it readily bites man.
Phlebotomus guggisbergi a cave dweller, readily bites
man inflicting a lot of pain. The vectorial capacity of
this species needs to be investigated. More work needs
to be done so as to identify the unknown species and
also to reveal its vectoral potential.
Citation
MSc.Sponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
University of Nairobi Faculty of Science