Larval habitat diversity, physicochemical characterization and their effect on the density of larval malaria vectors in the city of Accra, Ghana

Abstract Background Malaria is more prevalent in rural areas due to fewer mosquito breeding habitats in urban settings. However, urban factors such as irrigated farming, open sewers, and discarded containers create mosquito breeding sites. This study investigates the diversity and distribution of larval habitats and the impact of physicochemical characteristics on the presence and density of Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae in Accra, Ghana. Methods Larval surveys and collections were conducted at fifteen locations in Accra, divided into five categories: Irrigated Urban Farming (IUF), Lower Socioeconomic Status (LS), Middle Socioeconomic Status (MS), High Socioeconomic Status (HS), and Peri-urban (PU) areas. Physicochemical parameters were measured, and species identification was performed using morphological and molecular methods. Results A total of 727 breeding habitats were identified, with 65.34% (475/727) positive for Anopheles larvae. Drainage ditches were the most common habitat type (48.21%, 229/475). The highest abundance of An. gambiae s.l. was found in IUF sites (6,244/22,919), especially during the rainy season (77.01%, 17,650/22,919; R² = 3.46, P = 0.000). Polluted habitats, including household effluents, had higher ammonium levels (3.4 mg/L NH₄-N) compared to unpolluted ones (1.3 mg/L NH₄-N). Other distinguishing parameters included dissolved oxygen (34% vs 52.9%), conductivity (5106 µS/cm vs 2049 µS/cm), and total dissolved solids (3181 mg/L vs 1255 mg/L). The predominant malaria vector was An. coluzzii (54.4%, 368/677). Additionally, the invasive An. stephensi, previously unreported in Ghana, was detected. Conclusion Malaria vectors breed in diverse and often polluted urban habitats, with high larval densities in urban agricultural areas. The detection of the invasive An. stephensi highlights the need for continuous monitoring and vector control strategies in urban settings.