Distribution of Malaria Infection Among Different Genotypes in Three Senatorial Zones of Taraba State Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria infection is recognized as a severe public health problem linked to most cases of morbidity and mortality in malaria endemic areas. The study was used to determine the distribution of malaria infection among the different genotypes in three senatorial zones in Taraba state. The study employed a community and laboratory based cross sectional study. The electrophoresis machine was used to determine the genotypes of the research subjects while Rapid diagnostic technique and the gold standard microscopy was used to determine the prevalence of malaria infection. The haematology auto-analyzer (Sysmex XTI 2000) was used to determine the haematological parameters of the subjects. A total of 3084 blood samples was obtained by venepuncture. The distribution of the genotypes are AA 1721 (55.8%), AS 966 (31.3%) and SS 397 (12.9%). The overall prevalence of malaria was 620 (20.1%). Malaria infection was highest in the southern senatorial zone (29.1%) than in the north and central zones (p<0.05). Infection was high with the males (21.2%), age-related malaria infection was significant (p<0.05) with age 1-10yrs recording the highest infection (28.0%). No significant difference (p>0.00) was recorded in the marital status of the patient with the widows/widower having 23.4% while degree of infection was significant for education-related infection (p<0.05) with the non-educated subjects recording highest infection (34.4%). Occupational related prevalence was significant (p<0.05) with high infection among traders (162 (28.7%). Significant difference was recorded in the marital status with the widow/widower recording a high prevalence of malaria 112 (23.4%). Our finding in the current study confirm that malaria remains a major challenge and there is need for periodic prophylactic administration of malaria drugs in the treatment regime of sickle cell anaemia patients. Keywords: Malaria infection, genotypes, distribution, senatorial zones, Taraba State, Nigeria