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Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is reported that one third of the world’s population is infected with the parasite. T. gondii represents the risk of miscarriages and congenital abnormalities in pregnancy. This study was carried out to ascertain the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three major Health Centres in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Three hundred and eight four (384) pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were recruited for the study. Participants were screened for T. gondii specific antibodies using the Chromatographic Immuno-Assay (CIA) test method. Information on risk factors were obtained by the administration of a structured questionnaire. An overall seroprevalence of 11.7% was established. IgG antibodies represented 11.7% seroprevalence and 0.0% seroprevalence recorded for IgM antibodies. The highest seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection was established in women in their second trimester. Seropositivity was found to be significantly associated (p<0.05, 95%CI) with type of drinking water, consumption of raw or fresh vegetables, previous history of miscarriage and older child with congenital deformation. Akubuilo, A. S. | Department of Zoology, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

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Aim: The effect of Host blood on the fecundity of female Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes was studied under normal conditions of 64±2% Relative Humidity and 27±2ºC Temperature. Methods: Three-five day old (F1) female Anopheles mosquitoes were transferred into wooden cages (40x40x40 cm) and fed blood from the following sources: man, cattle, chicken, goat, pig and sheep through an artificial feeding membrane. Engorged females were observed and fecundity recorded. The entire experiment was replicated five (5) times. Results: From the 1st to 4th gonotropic cycle, mosquitoes fed human blood produced significantly greater (p<0.05) number of eggs (Mean=121.90±1.18, 101.36±1.56, 64.12±1.54 and 29.66±1.69 respectively) than mosquitoes fed other blood meal sources. Across the six (6) blood meal trials (excluding that of sheep), there was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in fecundity from the 1st to 4th gonotropic cycles (1st>2nd>3rd>4th). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in fecundity between pigs, chicken and sheep. Total mean longevity and total mean fecundity was significantly greater (p<0.05) in mosquitoes fed human and cattle blood than in mosquitoes fed the other blood sources. Conclusion: The results showed that blood meal source affects fecundity and longevity of female Anopheles gambiae s. l mosquitoes reared under laboratory conditions and that blood from humans as well as from other domestic animals is suitable for sustaining vectorial capacity in Anopheles gambiae s. l mosquitoes.