Assessment of co-infection of typhoid and malaria in patients attending F.M.C Umuahia Abia state

Abstract

Malaria and typhoid fever are major public health problems in tropical and subtropical countries. People in endemic areas are at risk of contracting both infections concurrently. This study was aimed at assessing malaria and co-infection of typhoid fever among patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 256 patients suspected for malaria and typhoid fever from March to August 2017 at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia Abia State. Blood samples were collected for blood film preparation and widal test. The prevalence of malaria was 78.90% (n = 202). Among these age groups, (11 – 15), (16 – 20), (21 – 25) and (26 – 30) years were mostly infected. The seroprevalence of typhoid fever was found high and poor hand washing habit were associated with typhoid fever infection. Further studies should be done on malaria and typhoid fever co-infection in different seasons and different study areas.