Authors : Paul M. Wanjala, Battan M. Khaemba and Alfred I. Luoba
Abstract: Intestinal schistosomiasis occurs in localized foci restricted to specific molluscan vector sub population areas. The molluscan vectors, Biomphalaria sp. have a widespread distribution in Kenya. The objective of the present study was to determine the ecology of the molluscan vector with a view of instituting targeted vector control strategies to complement deworming programmes. A study was conducted in Budalangi endemic focus in the lake region of Western Kenya between 2006 and 2008. Vector snails were sampled from four permanent water habitats and used for the ecological studies. The population dynamics and vectorial capacity of the vector snail, Biomphalaria pfeifferi were driven by seasonality with rainfall and temperature determining abundance (R2 = 0.346; p<0.05). Vector density was influenced by the distance from the permanent habitat (R2 = 0.432; p<0.05) and to a lesser extent the depth at the edge of the water bodies (R2 = 0.252, p<0.05). Researchers discuss the ecology of the vector in relation to the bionomics of Schistosoma mansoni in this study. The results of this study could be used for planning and implementing vector control programmes.
Paul M. Wanjala, Battan M. Khaemba and Alfred I. Luoba, 2013. Ecology of Biomphalaria pfeifferi in Budalangi Endemic Focus of Western Kenya. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 8: 74-82.