Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

Status of Malaria Infection in Peri-Urban Community of North Central Region of Nigeria

Babamale OA and Ugbomoiko US

Malaria infection is a tropical parasitic disease of man that causes severe morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross sectional survey was carried out to investigate the infection status with respect to associated risk factors and the preventive measures adopted in Ogele, Nigeria. A total of 471 people were enlisted for the study and their bloods were examined for malaria parasites. Their socio-economic, environmental and adopted preventive measures profiles were obtained using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Three hundred (63.7%) of the study population were infected with at least one Plasmodium species with average parasite load of 2052.61 parasite/μl of blood. Eighty percent (80%), 9.3% and 10.3% of the infection were due to P. falciparum, P. vivax and mixed infection respectively. Generally, the prevalence and intensity of the infection were age-dependent (p>0.05) and sexindependent. Both are higher at the younger age group. Of all risk factors studied, knowledge of the infection, education status, individual income, presence and closeness of the bush to human habitation were strongly associated with the occurrence of the malaria infection. The prevalence and intensity of malaria infection among ITNs users are comparable with individuals using other preventive measures. Design of control strategies must consider among other factors, the community knowledge of malaria infection and additional tool to target outdoor transmission. Therefore, continuous orientation/education on the preventive strategies of malaria and transmission of the disease will ameliorate the deteriorating health condition due to malaria in the study area and other endemic region with similar characteristics.