Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Parasitaires, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS, CNRST), Direction Régionale de l’Ouest, 01 BP 545 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
Malaria remains a major public health issue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with limited entomological data on mosquito species composition in some regions. This study investigates the mosquito species composition in Tushunguti, Kalehe Territory, with a particular focus on Anopheles funestus s.s. and Anopheles gambiae s.s. Adult mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps and pyrethrum spray catches. Morphological identification was supplemented by molecular techniques (PCR) to confirm species identities. A total of 245 mosquitoes were collected, with Culex species being the most abundant (n=150), followed by Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae. Molecular analysis identified 49 Anopheles funestus s.s. and 20 Anopheles gambiae s.s. specimens. The human biting rate (HBR) for An. funestus was significantly higher (0.071 bites/person/night) compared to An. gambiae (0.028). These results suggest that An. funestus plays a dominant role in malaria transmission in the area, particularly in indoor environments. The co-occurrence of both species underlines the need for targeted vector control strategies that address species-specific behavior and distribution. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous entomological surveillance to adapt malaria interventions based on local vector dynamics.
In a context of limited access to modern veterinary care, this study aims to document the ethnoveterinary practices used by pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the province of Houet in western Burkina Faso for the treatment of animal diseases. A survey was conducted between July and October 2022 among 270 livestock farmers, using semi-structured questionnaires, individual interviews and focus groups. A total of 44 plant species belonging to 28 families were identified. The most frequently cited species were Faidherbia albida (58.1%), Khaya senegalensis (54.2%), Guiera senegalensis (43%), Parkia biglobosa (31.8%), followed by Vitellaria paradoxa and Sterculia setigera. The leaves and bark were the most commonly used parts of the species listed. The fruits (5%) and pulp (7%), which are rarely prepared, were mainly administered as food (100% and 50% respectively). The leaves are used in all kinds of recipes and administered in parallel through force-feeding, food, exposure and application. The most commonly treated pathologies were animal trypanosomiasis (19.04%), envenomation (14.28%) and parasitic infestations (12.85%). Multiple factor analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups of livestock farmers in terms of the species used and the therapeutic approaches adopted. These results confirm the importance of endogenous knowledge in local animal health and could help in the search for resilient solutions for the health treatment of domestic farm animals.