Browsing by Author "Okorie, P. N."

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Perceptions and recommendations by scientists for a potential release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Nigeria
(Biomed Central Ltd, 2014) Okorie, P. N.; Marshall, J. M.; Akpa, O. M.; Ademowo, O. G.
Background: The use of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) for the control of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases has been proposed in malaria-endemic countries, such as Nigeria, which has the largest burden in Africa.Scientists are major stakeholders whose opinions and perceptions can adversely affect the success of the trials of GMMs if they are not involved early. Unfortunately, information on the awareness of Nigerians scientists and their overall perception of the GMMs is practically non-existent in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed at understanding how receptive Nigerian scientists are to a potential release of GMMs for the control of malaria. Methods: The sample consisted of 164 scientists selected from academic and research institutions in Nigeria. Data were collected from participants using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Questions were asked about the cause and prevention of malaria, genetic modification and biotechnology. Specific questions on perception and acceptable conditions for the potential release of GM mosquitoes in Nigeria were also covered. Results: All participants cited mosquitoes as one of several causes of malaria and used various methods for household control of mosquitoes. The main concerns expressed by the scientists were that GMMs can spread in an uncontrolled way beyond their release sites (89%) and will mate with other mosquito species to produce hybrids with unknown consequences (94.5%). Most participants (92.7%) agreed that it was important that before approving the release of GMMs in Nigeria, there had to be evidence of contingency measures available to remove the GMMs should a hazard become evident during the course of the release. In general, a majority (83.5%) of scientists who participated in this study were sceptical about a potential release in Nigeria, while 16.5% of the participants were in support. Conclusions: Although a majority of the participants are sceptical about GMMs generally, most encourage the use of genetic modification techniques to make mosquitoes incapable of spreading diseases provided that there are contingency measures to remove GMMs if a hazard becomes evident during the course of the release.
Species composition and temporal distribution of mosquito populations in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria
(2014) Okorie, P. N.; Popoola, K. O. K.; Awobifa, O. M.; Ibrahim, K. T.; Ademowo, G. O.
Nigeria has a high burden of vector borne diseases such as malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF). This study aimed to determine the species composition of mosquitoes in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria as well as determine their role in malaria and LF transmission. Adult mosquitoes were collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) and identified and graded according to their abdominal conditions. The mosquitoes were dissected to determine the parity status and to check for microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti. The presence of circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum was examined using ELISA. A total of 1600 mosquitoes were collected of which 31 (1.9%) were Anopheles gambiae s. l. while 1756 (98%) were Culex sp. None of the mosquitoes examined was positive for Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti. The lack of adequate sanitary conditions in the area could be responsible for the large number of mosquitoes collected. Health education could help in sensitizing the inhabitants.