Characterization of medical interest arthropods from hôspital du Mali in Bamako

Arthropods of medical interest are vectors that may transmit pathogens (bacteria, parasites and viruses) that cause disease in humans and animals across the world. These transmitted infectious agents are responsible for many cases of infection, some of which are fatal. The study aim was to assess the exposure of people staying or visiting hospital for treatment or assistance to arthropods born infection inside the hospital (Hospital du Mali).

Longitudinal survey with monthly investigation was carried out from September 2022 to December 2023 in Hospital du Mali to collect endophilic and exophilic arthropods using diverse method of sampling.  CDC light traps, mouth aspirator, spray catch, and soapy water were used as collection methods in randomly selected rooms at the hospital. The arthropods were identified morphologically using a binocular dissecting scoop; female Anopheles were tested by PCR and ELISA respectively for specific composition and Plasmodium infection index. In total, 9673 arthropods mostly insects were collected including 7388 Culex, 103 Anopheles, 81 Aedes, and 2101 other insects. The study showed that, among the arthropods of medical interest, the most frequent group during both rainy and dry season were Diptera with high proportion of mosquitoes.