Prevalence of malaria and mosquito vectors in Depalpur, District Okara Punjab Pakistan

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria and mosquito vectors in selected four villages of Tehsil Depalpur, District Okara, Punjab, Pakistan where malaria is endemic from the last few years. Total 116 blood samples (June 07 to August 07) were collected by PCD from four private clinics and a common Basic Health Unit (BHU) related to these villages. Prevalence was determined across various variables such as village residence, season, age and gender. Our data indicated 26% prevalence of malaria with respect to Slide Positivity Rate (SPR) and 22% using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). In addition 18% cases were male positive and 8% were female positive. Children (43%) were more susceptible as compared to adults (22%). In general prevalence of malaria was greater (41%) in August as compared to June and July (22% and 23% respectively). Among these, 98% cases were found suffering from malaria due to P. vivax and 2% due to P. falciparum, indicating P. vivax was predominantly present in these months. Entomological survey was conducted from September 06 to April 07. Total 726 mosquitoes (indoor) belonging to three different species were collected. The most common was Culex qunquifasciatus (74.9%) while among the malaria vectors Anopheles stephensi was more (13.6%) as compared to An. culicifacies (11.4%). The status of An. Stephensi in rural areas of Punjab needs to be determined.